MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

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SEPTEMBER

The Pastor’s Pen

“You look great!” “What a darling baby!” “It’s so good to see you!”

Having returned from vacation most recently and, before that, time away for General Assembly, Pastor Rick and I have both found ourselves stopping to wonder at the joy of being with cherished friends. It seemed every corner we turned in Fort Worth this July and in Benzie County in August brought us face to face with a Christian friend who had touched our lives at some point in our past. And as we met again we found ourselves rejoicing in the good things that had happened since last we spoke. It was wonderful.

Part of the wonder of such an experience is wondering at the question, “Why is it so hard for us to keep conversations positive with the people we see every day?” Sure, at home we also hear compliments and exchange pleasant conversation. But how often do we use a compliment as just the warm-up to a zinger we intend to deliver to the people closest to us? For instance, “You look great in that new jacket, how much money did you spend on it? Have you looked at the balance in the checkbook?” “I’m glad you called, but why did you wait so long – can’t you call more often?” “That’s a good paper, now I’d just like to see you do that well in your other subjects.” You know what I’m talking about. Haven’t you been on one end or another of that conversation with your family?

Why is it that the people we love most and should be the most sensitive and caring toward, are often the ones who feel the least cared about by us? Of course, our families and closest neighbors see us more often, and so see more clearly our shortcomings and mistakes. And those who have known us longest have a much longer list of our past mistakes than those we have just met. But does that really excuse our tendency to focus on criticism rather than celebrate the good things we see in each other?

Here is a challenge for us all. In the coming month, make a commitment with all your family members to deliver at least one full conversation each day which focuses solely on the positive things we see in them. And leave it at that. It really is OK to let our spouses, children, parents and friends hear unadulterated, unqualified praise from us! And wouldn’t it be great to hear that yourself!

Of course we will have disagreements and differences of perspective from time to time. But these will be much easier to handle without anger if we can begin those conversations on a solid foundation of trust in the relationship. And nothing builds trust better than knowing we are cherished and valued for the people we are right now.

Blessings,

Pastor Kris

Teen Bible Study

Youth in grades 7-12 are invited to Pastor Kris’ home every Wednesday night from 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. for Bible study. We will begin on Wednesday September 26 and will be studying the Gospel of Luke. Come prepared with your own Bible, having read chapters 1-3 before we meet. Friends are very welcome, whether they attend worship at Central Christian Church or not. Parents are asked to arrive no later than 8:45 to pick youth up, so that homework and bedtimes don’t suffer during the school year!

Flea Market/Rummage Sale Update

Thanks to everyone who pitched in to make our first Flea Market such a success! At the Flea Market on August 18th we brought in a gross dollar amount of $1200. The next weekend we sold the “leftovers” at a quickie rummage & bag sale and brought in another $600. After advertising and food expenses of about $350, we will clear $1450 to chip away at last year’s deficit. Thank you to all, especially Tamara Rowe who spearheaded the project and put in many, many hours for its success!

Mark your Calendars for

the Chicken BBQ

Sunday, September 9, is the date of our annual Chicken Barbecue. This year we have worked extra hard to make this a terrific outreach event to our community. Join us at 10:30 a.m. for worship under the big tent outside, followed by our barbecue. Because everything from cooking to singing is happening outside, no one will have to miss out on any of this spectacular day. Our worship service will be over around 11:30, and then the feasting begins. If you have not already signed up to bring a dish to share, please see the sign up sheet at the doors to the sanctuary. Bring friends and family, co-workers and colleagues, neighbors and new found acquaintances. This is a day for everyone!

Sunday School Begins

September 16 will be the first day back to school . . . Sunday School, that is! An adult class will be held in the Fellowship Hall from 9:15-10:15 a.m., studying the book Jesus by Marcus Borg. Borg raises interesting questions about the intersection of modern science, human reason, and faith as we approach the person of Jesus and our faith in him as Savior. Count on lively discussion regarding this thought-provoking book which challenges us to assert our own faith in Jesus.

Meanwhile, kids up through 6^th grade will have opportunities in the Education Wing to engage in music, arts, crafts, drama and other creative endeavors. During worship, children will have their usual Sunday School classes with Bible lessons in age-divided classrooms.

Bible Study

Join us on Monday nights from 7:00-8:00 this September as we study Paul’s letter to the Romans. This is considered to be the most theologically developed epistle of the Bible, and a cornerstone of New Testament Christianity. We believe you will find the evening interesting and inspiring as our study group engages in discussion and learning. Join us!

Youth Group Starts Back on September 23

Every Sunday night the youth group will be meeting at 4:00 for a short devotional time followed by an hour of fellowship as we reconnect and refuel for the coming week. At 5:30 those who wish to have dinner together (and remember to bring $3!) will stay for Sunday Supper. If you need to get home for school work or just aren’t hungry, parents can pick up at 5:30. Otherwise, we should be done eating by 6:00.

We will begin the year with a super-submarine-sandwich night on 9-23. Come see just how super this sandwich is . . . Could it be 9 ft 23 in? 923 in? 923 cm? 92.3 cm? Find out on 9-23!

Campers Return

Everyone is finally home from Camp Crystal after a tremendous summer. Kneppers and Tiemeyers had a wonderful time at Family Camp. Courtney K. & Charlie R. spent their summer working at the camp. Golden oldies, Carol & Paige Mambourg, Mark Behr, Ellen Channels, Jen and Jon DenHouter were all spotted up north. And, of course, our children and youth benefited from their special week: Luke Branaman & Gabe Mattison Mini-camp; Ian Todd, Chloe Gruesbeck, Lussine Hosseini, Arrezu Hosseini, Milanda Banda Junior camp; Emily Rahn & Rita Katabana, Chi Rho camp; Matt Branaman, Lara Branaman & Allie Garces CYF; Alexis Branaman, Austin Doezema, Micah Tiemeyer, Justin Tiemeyer, Charlie Roy, Kasey Knepper, Courtney Knepper, Joe DeBoer, Kristin Rahn & Jayme Bush at YACF. As everyone returns to school now, we remember how blessed we are to have our camp memories!

Exciting Projects Underway in the DRC

We encourage you to check out the website www.handupcongo.org. to learn more about some exciting new projects US Disciples are engaged in with our DRC Disciples partners. Read about a micro-credit project to fund women’s businesses in rural villages; a sewing machine gift which is blessing hundreds; dreams for restoring our hospital; new initiatives in education; and much, much more. You can also explore www.globalministries.org under the tabs for special projects. We can make a difference as we offer our prayers and support to sisters and brothers in need around the globe


	Central Christian Church 2525 Leonard-NE Grand Rapids, MI 49505 616-458-4662 E-Mail: CCCGR@aol.com Feel free to use our "Contact Us" page if you still have questions. Or, just come check us out!