From Mitch Knight’s sermon this past Sunday:
First Corinthians 13 is often called the 'wedding passage', which describes what love is and isn’t. While its use in weddings is common, its true value shines when we understand it in context. Paul wrote this chapter to guide the Corinthians, who were struggling between following Corinthian culture and Jesus’ teachings, urging them to grow out of selfishness and into love. Love is fundamental in Scripture, mentioned over 500 times, because living in love means living like Jesus. Love is indispensable to our faith. Without it, our actions, no matter how miraculous, are meaningless. Just like a car without fuel, our faith without love goes nowhere. God’s mission to rescue humanity is built on love, demonstrated through Jesus, and we are called to show this love to others. Let’s embrace the transformative power of love, living like Jesus, because when we live in love, we live like Jesus.
Action Step:
This week, think of someone you have difficulty loving. Right now (or make a note or set an alarm to) intentionally pray for that person who is difficult to love or recognize their inherent value as a person created in God's image. When we live in love, we live like Jesus.
Please read below for upcoming CCC opportunities.
Continue to trust that God is present and active. See you Sunday if not before then!
Join us in hosting a fun, four-day, Bible, mystery-themed experience – helping kids (PreK to 5th grade) explore some big questions about God. Volunteers needed for set-up, registration, tech support, group guides, general assistance, cleanup, and more. Contact Alexandra Fish to get involved and help kids discover the abundant life God has for them!
Would you consider joining others in fasting from breakfast and praying from 8:28 am until 9:15 am on Wednesday mornings? Join in prayer, in-person at the CCC auditorium or online via Zoom here: https://clarence-cc.squarespace.com/connect - for guided thoughts to help you pray.
This Saturday…
To prepare the CCC building for the Kids Summer Extravaganza, several areas need cleaning beyond the usual weekly tasks. As a church, we are ALL stewards of the worship space God has entrusted to us.
Please consider cleaning part of the church building on Saturday, August 3rd, from 9 am to 12 pm (or at another time of your convenience between now and August 18th).
A number of people who participated in the Sunday morning Chosen group this past year gathered this week at the Ebersole home for fun, fellowship, and community building. They also enjoyed delicious!!! smoked pulled pork and other fixings. The Chosen group will resume watching and discussing episodes of The Chosen this fall. This Sunday morning group is a great way to connect further with people in the church.
2024 Ladies Retreat at Mountainview Christian Camp
To our sisters in Christ, we pray you are well and looking forward to the Ladies Retreat. We are looking forward to presenting it to you. Our speaker will be Suzanne Bracci, a Christian Life Coach and author from Western New York. Reserve the dates of September 13-14, 2024 to attend. We want each of you to know that God loves you, has given you gifts you may not be aware of, or as our kids mature, our purpose changes. These times can be scary and/or frustrating and Suzanne will speak to us on Saturday of our uniqueness as women of God in the Scriptures and putting on the Mindset of Christ. Registration fees are as follows. If possible please register and send to Mountainview Christian Camp, c/o Sharon Schmaltz, Registrar, 7240 Dryer Road, Victor, NY 14564 (registration form enclosed): $35 Weekend, $20 Friday, $20 Saturday. As always, there will be a registration table at the camp if you come in later at camp. ALL LADIES 18 YEARS AND OLDER ARE WELCOME. There will be music, fun and catching up with friends we haven’t seen. Save the date now! It can be a great time to decompress after all the preparation to send our children to school as well as a time for the kids to bond with Dad for 24 hours. Please consider the benefits of taking time out to be rejuvenated with other sisters in Christ and to commune with our Heavenly Father. September is a wonderful time to do that before the Fall schedules return to normal. Please feel free to contact Valerie Hubert with any questions.
This Sunday, August 4th, we’ll reflect on 1 Corinthians 14. Be prepared for God’s word to disrupt your ordinary, call you to faithfully follow God’s Spirit, and invite you to be uncommonly present with others like Jesus.