Staff Appreciation in November

By On November 1, 2012 · Leave a Comment · In Current Events

From Rebecca Schackow:

Church Staff Appreciation in November
This month, let’s take the time to express our gratitude to the dedicated staff that has served us so well this past year.  The staff appreciation committee invites you to write a “thank you” letter to one or more of our staff members letting them know how they have impacted your life by their hard work.  You may mail the letters directly to the recipient via the church office at 1603 SW 122nd Street, Gainesville, FL 32607 any time within the next week.  Your kind words are appreciated!  Contact Rebecca Schackow with questions: rebeccaschackow@gmail.com

Our Church Staff includes:

Senior Pastor – Rob Pendley
Church Administrator – Debbie Staples
Creative Director and Facilities Coordinator – Chris Hiatt
Children’s Ministry Administration Coordinator – Harmony Smith
Children’s Ministry Education Coordinator- Holli Best
Youth Director- Drew Donovan
Pastor’s Assistant – Leslie Marshall
Former Office Assistant – Emily Walker
Cleaning Personnel – Christina Medlin

 

Men’s Breakfast

By On October 31, 2012 · Leave a Comment · In From the Pastor

Tomorrow–and every 1st Thursday of the month–the men of Christ Community are invited to share a meal together at Cracker Barrel.

 

Multiply

By On October 31, 2012 · Leave a Comment · In Current Events

UPDATE: The simulcast event at Christ Community has been cancelled. We encourage anyone interested to visit another location in Gainesville: www.multiplymovement.com

From Jonathan Berry:

“Jesus’ command to make disciples in the Great Commission (Matt 28:18-20) was not intended solely for the early disciples, nor is disciple-making the responsibility of a special class of Christians.  Rather, all followers of Christ are called to make disciples, to fish for men (Matt. 4:19).  Many don’t actively make disciples simply because they don’t know what it means to be a disciple.” – David Platt

We want to invite you into an opportunity to connect with Christians from around America and around the world in hopes of exploring the depths of what it means to make disciples on a daily basis.  In the process of unveiling the practical ramifications of the Great Commission in our own personal spheres of influence, we will join David Platt and Francis Chan, at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, AL, via webcast to seek God’s direction for us through His Word, prayer, and communion with fellow believers.  The Multiply Gathering is a new event for Christ Community Church, but one that falls right in line with the 360 Apprentices program – as we desire to know better what it means for us to follow Christ as a disciple and apprentice, we naturally desire to share that knowledge with others and so share in God’s joy in calling people to a greater knowledge of Him.

We will be meeting in the office complex on Friday, November 9, with the webcast starting at 8 P.M. and would love to know if you will be joining us.  If you’re planning to attend, you can let us know with a brief registration form at http://tinyurl.com/CCCmultiply.  If you have any questions about specifics of the event or would like more information, the website for the Multiply Movement (out of which the Multiply Gathering comes) is http://www.multiplymovement.com/.  Alternatively, or for CCC-specific information, you can email Jonathan Berry at jberry.09@gmail.com. We will meet in the church Multi-Purpose room adjacent to the offices.

We hope that this will be a great opportunity for our church to come together and achieve a better understanding of what disciple-making is, and that through this night, we will be spurred onward to joyfully live this is out in our daily lives.

 

Evangelism in Acts

By On October 30, 2012 · Leave a Comment · In From the Pastor

Reading Acts Together

Chapter 8, verses 4 through 40

Tim Keller on what we can learn about evangelism from the account of Philip & the Ethiopian Eunuch (8:26-40)

First, God guides us into “divine appointments” (v.26). We need to look around us, for the people God brings into our paths are people we are to share our faith with. Second, we must not be put off from talking to someone who is extremely different from us. Obviously, an African official was very different than a Jewish commoner! Yet God can use us in the lives of people who are utterly different. Third, we must not be prejudiced. Isn’t it amazing that one of the first conversion stories we have in Acts is the story of a Jew leading a black man to Christ? In Christ, these divisions dissolve. Philip did not let prejudice keep him from being a warm, respectful witness. Fourth, Philip started by asking a question. Instead of giving a “canned” presentation, he discovered what was on the eunuch’s mind and heart. Philip essentially asked him “what is your point of interest and need right now? What is your main question?” Philip did not answer questions that the eunuch was not asking! He made sure to present the gospel as an answer to the particular concerns of this man. Fifth, Philip evangelized through a small group Bible study! So often, this works well. It is natural, it gives the Christian the “backing” of the Bible’s authority, so it is clear that the gospel is not just something you have made up. Often this is one of the best ways to share your faith–to have both Christians and non-Christians discussing a passage of the Bible. Sixth, Philip did not just talk in general terms, but he helped the eunuch to the 

point of decision. The only reason the eunuch would have asked for baptism (v.36), is if Philip had been explaining it to him. We must encourage people to a point of decision. (Keep in mind that Philip was a public speaker (8:4), and not everyone can do that. But here we see Philip evangelizing in a way we all can do.) 

 

Responding to Sandy

By On October 30, 2012 · Leave a Comment · In Current Events

Sandy continues to spread destruction across the northeast, moving more wind and rain inland and expanding its reach to more than 50 million people. Officials are certain that the losses of life and property in this country as a result of Sandy will exceed projections. At least 26 are confirmed dead, according to the New York Times, and early estimates of economic damage in the region total $20 billion.

Let us remember those who are in harm’s way in our prayers and seek the Lord’s provision for the roughly 6 million people currently without power. We are investigating opportunities to serve those affected by the storm through our own contacts and via Mission to the North America (MNA), our denomination’s disaster relief organization. We will provide updates on those opportunities on this page as they become available.

We are communicating with MNA and will seek to partner with our sister churches from around the country in meeting physical needs. It will be several days before we know the extent of the damage and learn exactly how we can help. If you are interested in participating in any relief efforts, please check back here for updates and contact the office at (352) 379-4949. In the meantime, a special donation center was just set up to receive emergency aid. We are assured that 100% of monies donated here will go directly to relief work on the ground.

For real-time updates from MNA: MNA Storm Response.

                But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.

(Jeremiah 29:7 ESV)