Thursday, January 29, 2009

Sent Out

This Sunday we’ll move into a new time in Jesus ministry, He sends out the twelve to preach the gospel. It must have been an exciting time for the disciples. Having been personally taught by Christ, He now empowers them and sends them out to put into action the things He had taught them. As well, they were probably a little unsure of themselves. How would it go? Would people receive them? Would they be able to handle the situations?

In a similar way, it’s an exciting time for our church. Our society is in a time of trial and stress. People are searching for answers, and nervous about their future. And we, the disciples of Christ, have been entrusted and empowered to go out into this environment to preach the good news of the gospel! We bring a message of hope, of peace, and of promise! Like the disciples, we might feel a little unsure of ourselves. But like the disciples, we have the power of Jesus Christ, the empowerment of His Spirit. Let’s do like the disciples and step out in faith and obedience, and watch God work marvelous things!

Pastor Clay

Friday, January 16, 2009

Two Down!

Great News!

This past week we were able to get two more milestones behind us with the Youth Building: We passed our plumbing and mechanical rough-in inspections! That puts us closer to our goal of getting the building finished, and open for the youth!

In the next few weeks, we will begin scheduling "work days", as we'll have lots of things to get done: Insulation, sheet-rock, painting, etc!

We will also be holding "Building Fund Raisers" to get the remaining work funded.

God is moving in so many ways here at CCW: The Women's ministry, men, youth, worship, outreach; We are so blessed to be a part of what He is doing!

I look forward to seeing you all Sunday!
In His Service,

Pastor Clay

Friday, January 09, 2009

The end of the world as we know it!


Seeing the media reports these days, we are being warned at every turn; The "financial crisis," the "mortgage crisis," the "job crisis," the "global warming crisis," the "Israeli-Palestinian crisis," and today I even read that scientists believe a solar storm could wipe out our power grid of our world any day! You would think that its the end of the world as we know it!

OK, I am over-dramatizing, but if you think about it, we do exist in a world of uncertainties. We are buffeted by forces beyond our control. But there is one force, one power, that remains constant: God!

As we delve back into the gospel of Matthew, we will continue on our journey of studying the life of Jesus Christ, who came into a dying world to bring life. Jesus knew the struggle that we would face in a world tainted by sin. He came to proclaim the gospel of truth and life; That we can know life, abundant life, through trusting Him; That we can have eternal life, through placing our faith in Him; That He came to set us free, free to live!

Looking forward to seeing you all on Sunday!

In His Service,

Pastor Clay

Thursday, January 01, 2009

A New Thing


So it is January 1st, 2009. A new year! It's a time that we look at our lives and take stock of ourselves. Common New Year’s resolutions are: to quit smoking, to stop drinking, to manage money better, exercise more, eat better, and spend more time with family. Sadly, most people never stick with their resolutions; Many exercise machines rust away in the shed after a few uses!

Many Christians make New Year’s resolutions to pray more, to read the Bible every day, and to attend church more regularly. These are great goals. However, these New Year’s resolutions fail just as often as the non-spiritual resolutions, because there is no power in a New Year’s resolution.

We, as God's people, would be better served seeking Him, praying and asking if there are things that He would have us to focus on, and ask Him to give us the power to change according to His purpose.

Even better, we could seek Him for direction for our new year: Are there new things God wants to do in and through us in this coming year? As I said Sunday, God is into "new things", new things that He will do in our lives and in our world. New things that will further His Kingdom, and draw people into His love.

I pray that this will be a fantastic "new year" for you, in the Lord, as He works in and through you!

Behold, I will do a new thing,now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The beast of the field will honor Me, the jackals and the ostriches, Because I give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to My people, My chosen. This people I have formed for Myself; They shall declare My praise. Isa 43:19-21 NKJV

In His Service,

Pastor Clay