February 7, 2024

"What did you do? Why did you do that? Over the past weeks, we’ve been reframing the standard—refocusing on Jesus as the standard for life, ministry, and mission. One of the action points we’ve been invited to take is to live and say that Jesus is your 'why.' Another action point was to accept an invitation to participate in God’s provision. The IDES food pack this past weekend (February 3&4) afforded you an opportunity to live like Jesus and partner in God’s provision for others—giving your money to fund emergency relief meals, rearranging your schedule to spend 2-3 hours packing meals for others, forgoing Sunday lunch to provide food for those without access, and focusing on others at the expense of your preferences and priorities. The hope of the church leaders is that the food pack was an opportunity for you to take a step in living like Jesus, an opportunity to invite a non-Jesus follower to see what Jesus-following people value, an opportunity to partner in what God is doing to provide for the needs of those around the world, and an opportunity to explain Jesus as the 'why' behind the time and effort you spent at a table with 9 other people in the CCC gym for 2-3 hours, packing food that isn’t for your benefit. The church's leadership rejoices in the accomplishment of packing over 65,000 GAP meals (over 20,000 more meals than the 40,000 that we originally planned). We celebrate that God provided funding for the food pack in a short amount of time. We rejoice that tens of thousands of meals will benefit needy people around the world. We rejoice that each of us who participated had the opportunity to become more like Jesus and be ready to share that Jesus is the reason behind what we did.

We hope to participate in another IDES food pack in the future. Please be in prayer for funding, participation, and clarity on how we can further emulate Jesus and partner in God’s provision for the needs of the world through hosting and participating in another IDES food pack. Thank you for making it possible this year and helping to make it possible again in the future!

Below you will find other CCC updates and resources for participating in the body of Christ over the coming weeks.

See you Sunday if not before then!

 

Jordan Byrd

Read and begin reflecting on Luke 4:31-44 before the sermon on Sunday

This Sunday, February 11th, we will continue the series of messages focused on reframing/refocusing on the life, ministry, and mission of Jesus as the standard for our own lives. On this Sunday, Sean Cronin will help us reflect on what and how we pray to God for our needs and wants. May God guide us in taking a step of obedience toward Him. May we be receptive to the depth of the good news that Jesus has to offer our lives.

As followers of Jesus, we are part of the church (the body, family, community) of Christ. Our church has various ways to connect beyond Sunday morning worship in the auditorium. There are opportunities for all ages to engage and grow in their likeness to Jesus. If you haven't yet connected beyond Sunday worship, I encourage you to consider joining one of these groups. You could also ask 1-2 CCC friends if they would be willing to start meeting weekly to connect, pray, and reflect on God's word with you — all aimed at helping you become more like Jesus in community with others.

The Chosen Group (Starts this Sunday, Feb. 11, 8:30am):

Watch and catch-up on the overall story told throughout seasons 1-3 of the Bible-based show, The Chosen. This will lead up to the release of the episodes from the forthcoming, season 4 of the show. Starting THIS Sunday, February 11th, 8:30am (before 10am worship). Meets in CCC youth room. Feel free to jump in any time. Contact Dave and Deb Farley to connect further.

Merge Youth Group:

For 6th-12th grade-aged kids. Sunday nights, 6:30pm-8:30pm. Meets in CCC youth room. Games and Bible lesson: continuing to look at the fruits of the Spirit. Not meeting this Sunday, February 11th because of time spent at the Southern Tier Church of Christ youth retreat. Contact Mitch Knight for more information.

Impact Kids:

For PreK-5th grade-aged kids. Sunday mornings. Meets in the auditorium for music. Split into PreK-1st* (Little Impact) and 1st*-5th (Big Impact) grade-aged groups at Prayer Time. Parents pick-up kids at the end of the worship service. Kids participate in a game, lesson, and craft or reflective activity during each gathering. Contact Mitch Knight for more information. (*parental preference)

Ladies Bible Study:

Meets at CCC on the first and third Thursdays of the month, 10:30am-11:30am. Contact Linda Cronin for more information.

Flourish Ladies:

Meets at CCC on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, 6:30pm-8:30pm. Currently discussing Justin Whitmel Earley’s book, Made for People. Contact Bobbie Ludwick, Valerie Hubert or Renee Paul for more information.

Guys Work Group:

Meets from 9am-11am at CCC. Coffee, treats, conversation, and a little upkeep work around the church building/property. Contact Dan Corbett for more information.

A CCC hosted event for 6th-12th grade-aged kids (local and regional), March 22-23. Be on the lookout for the opportunity to sign-up and participate as a kid or help as an adult. Contact Mitch Knight for more information.

R.&R. D. (CCC Mission partners in Alleyland)

Yay!!! Celebrate the swimming party of a new sister in Chr*st! Pray for perseverance in faithfulness to the L*rd as this sister’s allegiance will be tested in the mostly non-Chr*stian, Alleyland culture.

This is an article that ran across this week. AI is an technology that is invading all areas of life: from business to entertainment to grocery shopping. While there is a helpful side to AI, there is also a dark side. This article highlights how followers of Jesus — those connected to The Way, The Truth, and The Life — have the best perspective to help navigate the benefits and dangers of AI. More specifically, the article highlights how theology is needed to navigate AI, as AI isn’t a person, with a soul. Rather, AI needs a person, with a soul, to direct it. Will AI be directed toward The Way, The Truth, and The Life of God revealed in Jesus or the false way, false truth, and false life of sin and evil?

January 31, 2024

How can you boost the chances of your unbelieving friends and family visiting our church? In a recent Renew webinar, Thom Rainer, a statistician and research resource for U.S. churches, highlighted three effective action steps:

  1. Extend a personal invitation to your friend.

  2. Commit to meeting them at the door and sitting together.

  3. Plan to take them out to lunch after the worship service.

Surprisingly, the most challenging part is often mustering the courage for the initial invitation. The subsequent steps are relatively straightforward. The key isn't having a rehearsed gospel presentation or being an expert on God and the Bible; it's about inviting your friend to join in your routine activities. This isn't just a casual social media invite; it's intentional and communal, promising to accompany your friend from the parking lot, to a seat, and back out of the worship space. It's a hospitable invitation, including plans to spend time together over a meal, discussing life and addressing any questions that may arise.

This approach isn't limited to Sundays—it can also serve as a blueprint for inviting someone to participate in the IDES food pack event this weekend. It goes beyond sharing information on social media to becoming a deliberate, personal experience with someone whom you already have a relationship. It's an intentional invitation for them to join an unfamiliar church-oriented activity, not just to complete the packing of 60,000 meals, but to spend meaningful time together.

Consider identifying people of peace among your friends and family—those open to Jesus, and not antagonistic to Jesus. Invite them to join you in worship and the IDES food pack this weekend, creating intentional experiences that go beyond a simple invitation.

Below you will find other CCC updates and resources for participating in the body of Christ over the coming weeks.

See you Sunday if not before then!

 

Jordan Byrd

It’s this weekend!!!

This year’s foodpack through IDES is this Saturday, February 3rd — 9am-noon, and Sunday, February 4th — Worship: 10am, Food Pack: 11:00am-2:30pm.

The materials will be arriving on Friday, February 3rd. If you’re free and able to help meet at CCC to unload the trucks and setup tables and equipment in the gym for about an hour, that would be helpful. Thanks in advance!

CCC members: please message Jordan if you’re able to help.

The food packing process will happen at ten stations. Each station involves at least ten people. Would you consider being a table leader for one of these ten stations? All this role involves is receiving some further instruction from the IDES food pack coordinator, and being a point-person for your packing station to help relay any needs or questions to the IDES food pack coordinator. You can sign-up to be a table leader via the information linked here.

This event is a great opportunity to invite your family or friends to join you in being a blessing — to be the hands and feet of Jesus — to people in need around the world. You can invite and encourage people to participate via the information linked here.

As followers of Jesus, we are part of the church (the body, family, community) of Christ. Our church has various ways to connect beyond Sunday morning worship in the auditorium. There are opportunities for all ages to engage and grow in their likeness to Jesus. If you haven't yet connected beyond Sunday worship, I encourage you to consider joining one of these groups. You could also ask 1-2 CCC friends if they would be willing to start meeting weekly to connect, pray, and reflect on God's word with you — all aimed at helping you become more like Jesus in community with others.

The Chosen Group:

Watch and discuss the episodes from season 4 of the Bible-based show, The Chosen. Starting Sunday, February 11th, 8:30am (before 10am worship). Meets in CCC youth room. Feel free to jump in any time. Contact Dave Farley to connect further.

Merge Youth Group:

For 6th-12th grade-aged kids. Sunday nights, 6:30pm-8:30pm. Meets in CCC youth room. Games and Bible lesson: continuing to look at the fruits of the Spirit. The next gathering is this Sunday, February 4th. Also check out this other opportunity: A youth retreat at the Southern Tier Church of Christ in Elmyra, February 9-11. Contact Mitch Knight for more information.

Impact Kids:

For PreK-5th grade-aged kids. Sunday mornings. Meets in the auditorium for music. Split into PreK-1st* (Little Impact) and 1st*-5th (Big Impact) grade-aged groups at Prayer Time. Parents pick-up kids at the end of the worship service. Kids participate in a game, lesson, and craft or reflective activity during each gathering. Contact Mitch Knight for more information. (*parental preference)

Ladies Bible Study:

Meets at CCC on the first and third Thursdays of the month, 10:30am-11:30am. Contact Linda Cronin for more information.

Flourish Ladies:

Meets at CCC on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, 6:30pm-8:30pm. Currently discussing Justin Whitmel Earley’s book, Made for People. Contact Bobbie Ludwick, Valerie Hubert or Renee Paul for more information.

Guys Work Group:

Meets from 9am-11am at CCC. Coffee, treats, conversation, and a little upkeep work around the church building/property. Contact Dan Corbett for more information.

A CCC hosted event for 6th-12th grade-aged kids (local and regional), March 22-23. Be on the lookout for the opportunity to sign-up and participate as a kid or help as an adult. Contact Mitch Knight for more information.

On March 21st, Mike Bowers is being recognized as a Lifetime Achiever of the Year by the Clarence Chamber of Commerce. See more information here about access to tickets to join in the Gala.

January 24, 2024

How can you make a difference in the face of the world's challenges? We often feel overwhelmed by the multitude of issues such as natural disasters, war, and poverty. Despite having the desire to help, it's difficult to know where to start. Pastor Andy Stanley suggests a practical principle: "Do for one what you wish you could do for everyone." See the fuller context of this Biblical principle in the video linked at the bottom of this post. While we can't tackle all global needs, we can focus on addressing one opportunity at a time, as encouraged by the apostle Paul in Galatians 6:10.

On February 3rd and 4th, there's an opportunity to put this principle into action. The Clarence Church of Christ is hosting an IDES food pack event to provide meals for those affected by natural disasters, war, and poverty worldwide. Although we can't solve all the world's problems, we can make a significant impact by packing 60,000 GAP meals. These meals, sent by IDES, not only offer material support but also aim to connect people with the spiritual nourishment of Jesus.

You are invited to contribute your time and effort on February 3rd (9 am - 12 pm) and/or February 4th (10 am - 2:30 pm, including a worship service from 10 am - 11 am). Seize this opportunity to make a difference for thousands in need, recognizing that your actions can positively impact lives around the world.

Below you will find other CCC updates and resources for participating in the body of Christ over the coming weeks.

See you Sunday if not before then!

 

Jordan Byrd

Read and begin reflecting on Luke 4:1-13 before the sermon on Sunday

This Sunday, January 28th, we will continue the series of messages focused on reframing/refocusing on the life, ministry, and mission of Jesus as the standard for our own lives. On this Sunday, we will reflect on the good news that Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit to proclaim to our broken world, including our own broken lives. May God guide us in taking a step of obedience toward Him. May we be receptive to the depth of the good news that Jesus brings to the brokenness that sin has caused.

Table leaders still needed for both Saturday and Sunday (sign up below)

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.

The food packing process will happen at ten stations. Each station involves at least ten people. Would you consider being a table leader for one of these ten stations? All this role involves is receiving some further instruction from the IDES food pack coordinator, and being a point-person for your packing station to help relay any needs or questions to the IDES food pack coordinator. You can sign-up to be a table leader via the information linked here.

This event is a great opportunity to invite your family or friends to join you in being a blessing — to be the hands and feet of Jesus — to people in need around the world. You can invite and encourage people to participate via the information linked here.

Merge Youth Group this Sunday, January 28st, will be from 6:30pm-8:30pm.

Games and Bible lesson: continuing to look at the fruits of the Spirit. A youth retreat at the Southern Tier Church of Christ in Elmyra is also coming in February. Message Mitch Knight with any questions.

Meets at CCC on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, 6:30pm-8:30pm. On January 24th, the group is starting a new discussion on Justin Whitmel Earley’s book, Made for People. Contact Bobbie Ludwick, Valerie Hubert or Renee Paul for more information.

CCC Mission Partners in Alleyland: R. & R. D.

Add your “amen” to pr*y for bodily rest and fatigue for R & R as they also persevere in the spiritual battle to see the f*mily of G*d established among the Alley people — to have an ongoing witness of the hope of life in Chr*st there.

9am-11am at CCC. Coffee, treats, conversation, and a little upkeep work around the church building/property. For Wednesday, January 31st, help pick-up and transport tables being borrowed from Eastern Hills church for the IDES food pack. Contact Dan Corbett for more details.

CCC Mission Partner in Egypt: Safaa and Mona F. with Christian Arabic Services

Add your “amen” to the following prayer request for the ministry of CAS:

CAS has taken action to provide physical aid to 6,000,000 (Six million) refugees fled from N. and S. Sudan. Pray for CAS-partnered evangelists who are doing their best to help people also encounter the eternal aid of our heavenly Father, through our Savior, Jesus.

“Do for one what you wish you could do for everyone.” - Andy Stanley

January 17, 2024

Making a decision like this is never easy. Determining the severity of the weather required to cancel a church activity while keeping the best interests of all involved in mind is a tough call. This was the dilemma faced by nearly every church in Western New York this past weekend. Although driving bans and being instructed on what to do are never enjoyable situations, the implementation of a driving ban across Erie County ended up making the decision for us.

I hope you found time this past weekend to engage with the condensed worship service that was made available to help you ground yourself in Christ, similar to our usual in-person Sunday morning gatherings. A few individuals took advantage of the connecting Zoom gathering that was set up following the worship stream, and I believe it was an encouraging experience for those who participated.

I'm grateful for the quick, creative, and intentional response by the church leadership to present and make available an engaging digital worship experience with limited preparation time. While it is not ideal, it serves as a temporary reflective practice that can sustain us until we can meet in-person again.

Moments like these may serve as reminders of our current daily situation— that we do not yet see Jesus face-to-face. However, one day we will. While our communion with Jesus is limited on this side of eternity and not ideal, God still meets with us here. Our daily moments of communing with God feed our anticipation of the day when we will encounter Jesus face-to-face for eternity in never-ending communion with God.

I hope this Sunday we are able to re-gather as is our normal practice (and the example set before us by the early church, like what we encounter in the book of Acts in the Bible).

Below you will find other CCC updates and resources for participating in the body of Christ over the coming weeks.

See you Sunday if not before then!

 

Jordan Byrd

Read and begin reflecting on Luke 4:1-13 before the sermon on Sunday

We will continue in reframing/refocusing on the life, ministry, and mission of Jesus as the standard for our own lives. This Sunday, we will reflect on the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. May God guide us in taking a step of obedience toward Him. May we learn from Jesus how to confront the temptation to sin.

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.

The food packing process will happen at ten stations. Each station involves at least ten people. Would you consider being a table leader for one of these ten stations? All this role involves is receiving some further instruction from the IDES food pack coordinator, and being a point-person for your packing station to help relay any needs or questions to the IDES food pack coordinator. You can sign-up to be a table leader via the information linked here.

This event is a great opportunity to invite your family or friends to join you in being a blessing — to be the hands and feet of Jesus — to people in need around the world. You can invite and encourage people to participate via the information linked here.

Due to the Bills’ playoff game time, Merge Youth Group this Sunday, January 21st, will be from 4pm-6pm.

Games and Bible lesson: continuing to look at the fruits of the Spirit. A youth retreat at the Southern Tier Church of Christ in Elmyra is also coming in February. Message Mitch Knight with any questions.

Meets at CCC on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, 6:30pm-8:30pm. On January 24th, the group is starting a new discussion on Justin Whitmel Earley’s book, Made for People. Contact Bobbie Ludwick, Valerie Hubert or Renee Paul for more information.

Meets at CCC on the first and third Thursdays of the month, 10:30am-11:30am. Contact Linda Cronin for more information.

CCC Mission Partner in Egypt: Safaa and Mona F. with Christian Arabic Services

Add your “amen” to the following PRAYER POINTS from the most recent CAS update:

1. Most souls saved in our history

2. Most money raised in our history. Goal for CAS this year is $600,000

3. Most churches planted in our history

PRAY UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS!

In this episode of the Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast, David Kinnaman, President of Barna Research, highlights a 27 percent increase in Bible sales in the United States. Despite the perception of an increasingly dark world, statistics like this indicate that people are still actively seeking out God's good news in His Word. Speaking of Bible sales, which format do you typically use these days: a physical Bible or a digital app? Share your thoughts below in the comment section at the bottom of this post. The surge in sales is surprising, especially considering the ready availability of free Bible apps. An interesting fact, to say the least.

Winter Weather Update for Sunday, January 14, 2024

Updated: 1-13-24, 10:24pm

With a travel ban in effect throughout Erie County from 9 pm on Saturday, January 13th, and not scheduled for re-evaluation until Sunday morning, January 14th, we will not be holding in-person worship activities in the morning and the Merge youth group in the evening on Sunday, January 14th.

Instead, we will provide a condensed, guided worship experience featuring Scripture reading, prayer, sermon, and communion meditation. This will be accessible through the CCC website homepage or CCC YouTube channel tomorrow morning, January 14th, at 10 am. To fully participate, please prepare by having communion elements (any form of bread/cracker and grape/other juice or a similar drink) available during the worship service, allowing you to reflect on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Following the worship service stream, a Zoom gathering will be facilitated for those interested in briefly connecting and checking in with each other. You can log onto the Zoom gathering at 11am here.

I encourage you to make wise choices and lean into the church body if it can be of any assistance with a need that you might have over this weather-filled weekend.


Jordan Byrd

Parents of PreK-5th:

"Grace and peace to you all!

Even though tomorrow's in-person gathering is cancelled, I think it would be great to get your kids involved by watching the Big and Little Impact videos with them. You can play each of them from the following links:

Big Impact - https://youtu.be/A1J-It3dhHU (Please start from 30 seconds in)

Main idea - Sharing what you have

Little Impact - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmc6UPodOC4 (Please start from 30 seconds in)

Main Idea - Jesus teaches us important things

I hope you'll join us for online worship tomorrow. Focus on Jesus, not the storm!

Be blessed,

Mitchell Knight

January 10, 2024

7 “Listen, my people, and I will speak;

I will testify against you, Israel:

I am God, your God.

8 I bring no charges against you concerning your sacrifices

or concerning your burnt offerings, which are ever before me.

9 I have no need of a bull from your stall

or of goats from your pens,

10 for every animal of the forest is mine,

and the cattle on a thousand hills.

11 I know every bird in the mountains,

and the insects in the fields are mine.

12 If I were hungry I would not tell you,

for the world is mine, and all that is in it.

13 Do I eat the flesh of bulls

or drink the blood of goats?

14 “Sacrifice thank offerings to God,

fulfill your vows to the Most High,

15 and call on me in the day of trouble;

I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”

Psalm 50:7-15 (NIV)


A week ago, we did not know where the thousands of dollars still needed for the IDES food pack on February 3&4 would come from. We say that we trust God to provide. But it can be easier to say that than to actually believe that it will happen. I am excited to share that God has provided over and above what was still needed for the IDES food pack! Like the psalmist of Psalm 50 states: God does not need anything from us. The world is His, and everything in it. He doesn’t need us, but He does invite us to participate in what He does. God has indeed incorporated many people’s generosity into His work of blessing others. He has exceeded what we thought might be near impossible. God has provided for the IDES food pack to happen, and more – with leftovers that can be seed money for another food pack down the road. In the gospels, when Jesus’ disciples didn’t catch fish all night, Jesus didn’t just provide exactly what they needed. He provided more. While it can be tempting to doubt God’s provision, we have a record of God showing up for what we need, and sometimes with more than what we need. May God give us wisdom to steward this gift well and be a blessing to hungry and needy people around the world through the ministry of IDES. Praise God! Praise God! Praise God!

Below you will find other CCC updates and resources.

See you Sunday if not before then!

 

Jordan Byrd

Read and begin reflecting on Luke 3:21-38 before the sermon on Sunday

We will continue in reframing/refocusing on the life, ministry, and mission of Jesus as the standard for our own lives. Specifically, we will listen for the good news that God has for us to hear and the step of obedience that He has for us to take as we reflect on the baptism and Lucan version of the genealogy of Jesus in Luke 3.

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.

This event is a great opportunity to invite your family or friends to join you in being a blessing — to be the hands and feet of Jesus — to people in need around the world. You can invite and encourage people to participate via the information linked here.

The food packing process will happen at ten stations. Each station involves at least ten people. Would you consider being a table leader for one of these ten stations? All this role involves is receiving some further instruction from the IDES food pack coordinator, and being a point-person for your packing station to help relay any needs or questions to the IDES food pack coordinator. You can sign-up to be a table leader via the information linked here.

Merge Youth Group on Sunday, January 7th (6:30pm-7:30pm)

Games. Continue looking at the fruits of the Spirit. Come Sunday night to fellowship, learn, and connect with other students and caring adults! A youth retreat at the Southern Tier Church of Christ in Elmyra is also coming in February. Message Mitch Knight with any questions.

I found this podcast episode intriguing. The conversation in the podcast focuses on how insights from neuroscience can inform how we best connect with God, or have awareness of what hinders our connection with God. One of the takeaways from the episode is how routinely offering gratitude is one of the best spiritual habits we can have to help connect and keep us connected to God amidst the messiness and brokenness of life. Watch or listen and engage the fuller conversation.

A significant upgrade took place in the church building this week, with the installation of a new screen and projector. The extreme generosity of those who have passed on before us played a crucial role in making this upgrade a reality. We're grateful for their relationship with God, which inspired them to be generous in leaving a lasting legacy. May we steward this upgraded resource well, using it to remind and proclaim the good news of Jesus week in and week out.

January 4, 2024

(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.