For 15 Years – a Christian Anthem

By On September 16, 2012 · Leave a Comment · In 360 Apprentices, Worship

This morning, we are opening our 15th-anniversary service with “Shout to the Lord”. If you’ve been at our church for very long, this might surprise you because we haven’t sung it together since 2007. It’s a song that I consider to be a Christian anthem – one that embodied the spirit of a generation of believers (at least it did mine). I spent twelve years in Christian school growing up, and “Shout to the Lord” made it into our weekly chapel meeting at least once a month. I can still remember singing it with my friends in high school. Years later, I’ve lost my personal taste for singing it. But that doesn’t make it any less important. In fact, since its release in 1993, “Shout to the Lord” has held a place in the top 20 songs used in worship services as reported to the CCLI. Even today, it will be sung by millions of Christians across the world.

This week I found an interesting interview with songwriter Darlene Zschech where she describes the process of writing this song. She was, as she put it, “between a rock and a hard place, and just went to the Lord.” Finding hope in the words of the Psalms, she sang them to her God. She didn’t sit down to write a “hit”, nor did she even give it much credit after writing it down. She wasn’t even a professional writer – just volunteering at the church. Bringing her honest grappling with the gospel to bear in song and sharing with her church. Years later, we see the power in her words – in that simple, singable melody. They are honest and heartfelt in a way that is hard to replicate.

And so, today we join the chorus of Christians around the world as we remember fifteen magnificent years together as Christ Community Church. We also embark on an adventure through Mark and Acts that will challenge us in our apprenticeship of Jesus. I hope you find comfort and hope in today’s service.

 

Fall Calendar

By On September 13, 2012 · Leave a Comment · In Current Events

Here is our calendar for the fall. You can pick one up at church Sunday. This is not an exhaustive list of everything happening in the church, but I hope this simple calendar will help you keep your finger on the pulse of our church.

Fall 2012 Calendar

 

Vision Night & 15th Anniversary Celebration

By On August 28, 2012 · Leave a Comment · In Current Events

It’s exciting to see just the beginning of the RSVP’s for September 14 come in. If you are one of the first 59 to RSVP, Thank you! If you would like to RSVP now, you can let us know by filling out the form below. If you plan to bring your children, please indicate how many so that we can prepare for childcare. Please direct any questions to Rachel Stimler at rach.stim AT gmail DOT com.

The Vision Night and 15th Anniversary Celebration is a night for us to look back on the past 15 years of our church and thank God for His faithfulness! We will also be hearing from our pastor about the vision of the church for this upcoming year and what our main focus as a church body will be.

 

Matthews Family Called to Virginia

By On July 5, 2012 · Leave a Comment · In Current Events

Below is a letter that was sent to members of Christ Community Church last week. The Matthews family has been called to Virginia:

June 26, 2012

Dear CCC Family and Friends,

We hope to find you well as we head into the summer months here in
Gainesville. We write you encouraged by your love and partnership in the
gospel both here in Gainesville and beyond. It has been our privilege to serve
with you over the past 6 years and see God do so many wonderful things
through CCC. We have been loved and supported by you all and our family
has enjoyed growing up here and experiencing life together.

After much prayer, we have decided to follow God’s call to serve in ministry in
Richmond, VA. While we have mixed emotions as we leave the CCC family
and Gainesville area, we know God is leading us in this direction and into this
new ministry. Frank will be serving as the pastor to college/career and young
families at this new position. We look to God with hope and anticipation that
we will be used mightily to further the work of Christ in this new place of
ministry.

We covet your prayers in this transition as we will be praying for you and how
God provides at CCC. We do not have a definite timeline of departure yet but
hope to leave in early August to get the kids oriented and in school prior to
starting.

Grace and Peace,
Frank and Suzanne
Joshua, Micah, Aaron, and Elise

 

6/2 Get Out & Serve Projects Announced!

By On May 24, 2012 · Leave a Comment · In Current Events

Here’s a sneak peak at our projects for Get Out & Serve on June 2. We’ve got opportunities in the morning and in the afternoon, and childcare is available in the morning for parents who want to serve hands-free! Details below.

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Get Out & Serve – Join Us on June 2!
Each quarter, we gather as a church and reach out to our community. Join us on Saturday, June 2nd for a fun day of service projects. Sign up on Sunday, May 27, or email Chris Hiatt right now and tell him which project you’d like to join.

Note to parents: We are offering childcare for the little ones for morning projects! You must RSVP to chiatt@christcommunitychurch.com if you’d like to register your children.

MORNING

Project #1 – Partnership with Terwilliger Elementary
We will paint the basketball court at Terwilliger and deliver much-needed supplies to teachers. Remember to bring some supplies for our supply drive this summer benefiting the school. A detailed list of items is in this excellent blog post from Holli Best.
Details: 8AM meetup at CCC on the patio. We will ride to the site together.

Project #2 – Acts of Kindness
Join a team headed to a large property to handle yard work and other tasks. This is fun work! No experience required, and appropriate for all ages.
Details: 8AM meetup at CCC on the patio. We will ride to the site together.
Items needed: Chain saws, Loppers, Weed eater, Work Gloves


AFTERNOON

Project #3 – Visit a Nursing Home
Share the love of Jesus over BINGO with some of our community’s elderly people. This is a great project for youth and young families. No bingo experience required. Limited to 10 people!
Details: 1:30PM meetup at CCC Offices. We will ride to the site together.

Project #4 – College Students! Work Day + BBQ + Pool Party
No skills or experience required. Help us take care of some special projects and clean our building.
Details: 3PM meetup at CCC on the patio. We will head to the BBQ after we finish our work!

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You should come to this. It will be awesome.