In This Edition: 1) God’s Abundant Gift. 2) Upcoming Sermon Series. 3) Summer Camp. 4) Walk for Life. 5) Encouraged & Challenged.

Let Go of the Grind And Grab Hold of God’s Gift

Isaiah 55 offers a timely and powerful invitation: to stop exhausting ourselves in pursuit of a satisfying life apart from God, and instead receive the free and abundant life He offers. Isaiah 55 contrasts the wearisome grind of chasing fulfillment on our own terms (in our current reality, that may be through: fitting in, success, escape, or identity) with the lasting joy and peace found in God’s covenant love. Just as God called the exiles of Israel to forsake their fruitless pursuits and return to Him, He calls us today to receive the life found in Jesus—the living Word, the embodiment of abundant life. God’s gift is not a temporary fix but an everlasting promise rooted in His faithfulness, capable of transforming brokenness into beauty and emptiness into fullness.

Reflection Questions:

  1. What does this tell you about God?
    How does Isaiah 55 reveal God's generous heart and His desire to satisfy our deepest longings—not through obligation or performance, but through His gracious and everlasting gift of life?

  2. What does this tell you about yourself?
    Where do you recognize yourself in the grind—the restless chasing after identity, belonging, or success—and how does that reveal our tendency to look for fulfillment apart from the One who truly satisfies?

  3. Where is God’s Spirit prompting obedience in your life?
    What specific pursuit or pressure might God be asking you to release today so you can fully receive and walk in the abundant life He’s offering you through Jesus? What’s one step of trust or surrender He’s inviting you to take?

This Sunday, we’ll be diving into a new portion of Scripture, reflecting on various experiences from Jesus’ life that we encounter in the gospel of Matthew. More about that below…

Says Who?! (Upcoming Message Series, May 4th)

We’re all familiar with the tension between wanting control over everything and feeling like we’re at the mercy of someone else’s authority. But what about Jesus’ authority? The Gospel of Matthew reveals that Jesus’ authority is not only real, but worth trusting. Join us as we reflect on what it means to place our trust in His healing and life-giving authority.

Get Ready for the Mountainview Christian Camp Season

Give your kids the chance to get away this summer and experience God’s presence, along with a lot of fun. Camp weeks: First Chance (K-5th), Junior (4-6th), Jr. High (6-8th), Sr. High (9-12th), Mountain Do (7-12th). More info and register for camp.

Mountainview’s Season Opening Weekend | May 9–11

Mountainview Christian Camp invites you to be part of a brand-new Season Opening Weekend—a time to bring the camp community together and help prepare the grounds for the exciting season ahead.

Friday, May 9 – Arrival & Fellowship
The camp will be open for adult and family overnight accommodations. There are no scheduled activities on this day—it’s simply an opportunity for those traveling from a distance to arrive early, settle in, enjoy the camp environment, and connect informally with others.

Saturday, May 10 – Work Day
Starting at 9:00 AM, volunteers will help get the camp ready for the summer season. Projects are available for all skill levels and physical abilities, including:

  • Cleaning and painting

  • Light carpentry and upkeep tasks

  • Wood stacking

  • Prayer walking

Meals will be provided, and time will be set aside for fellowship and recreation.

Sunday, May 11 – Online Worship Service
At 5:00 PM, a pre-recorded worship service will stream on YouTube and Facebook. Modeled after a typical Mountainview gathering, the service will include:

  • Worship music familiar to camp

  • A message from the Mountainview stage

  • Testimonies and updates on this year’s programs

How to Support the Weekend

  • Pray – for the volunteers, the work being done, and the upcoming season

  • Serve – individuals with trade skills or a heart for prayer are invited to help with on-site projects

  • Attend – your presence makes a difference

Mountainview Christian Camp relies on the support of its community to fulfill its mission. This weekend offers a meaningful and practical way to get involved and help launch the season well.

3511 Reed Rd
Dansville, NY 14437

Walk for Life

CompassCare champions the dignity of unborn and newborn life and mothers in unexpected pregnancies. You're welcome to support their work through prayer, donations, or raising awareness by joining a local Walk for Life, hosted by Northgate Church on Saturday, May 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Clarence Town Park. Learn more.

Encouraged and Challenged

Sean Cronin and I returned from the Renew Gathering on Wednesday, encouraged by time with fellow ministry leaders who, like us, are navigating the challenges of today’s world. We had the opportunity to reflect on how to help guide Jesus’ church into the future by investing in the next generation of God’s people.

We also heard from global voices like Ajai Lall from India—some of you may be familiar with his difficult situation through updates in our prayer emails. In the midst of that mess, the Lalls continue to testify that Jesus is King and the only hope forward.

It was a blessing to connect with our mission partners in Mexico, Hector and Joy Rodriguez, and their two daughters, as they visited supporting churches in the U.S. and joined us at the Renew Gathering (with the help of mama Linda). They send along their heartfelt thanks for CCC’s ongoing support of their work and witness in Mexico. Thank you for your continued faithfulness and generosity in supporting this part of God’s mission.

We’re grateful for the church’s investment in us, making it possible to attend and be both encouraged and challenged in our work of leading and equipping our local church. Thank you for your continued prayers as the elders and staff strive to help us become the church Jesus is calling us to be in this time and beyond.

Sean will also represent us this weekend at the Future Church conference, held locally at The Chapel at Crosspoint. Please pray he gains helpful insights to share with our leadership and church family.

Mitch Knight will be visiting extended family this weekend. Please reach out to myself, Sean, or an elder while he is away, if anything comes up related to his regular responsibilities. Thanks!

Continue to trust that God is present and active.