First person drama featuring Pastor Mike & MaryJo Towns
Adapted, Mary’s First Christmas
a book written by Walter Wangerin & illustrated by Timothy Ladwig
(the illustration in this ad is by Timothy Ladwig from the book)
Celebrate Christmas with us!
November 27, 2009 By Leave a Comment
An anticipated arrival
November 23, 2009 By
By Pastor Mike Mitchum
Well, you knew it was coming. You knew it was only a matter of time before I wrote an article referring to the arrival of my first grandchild! I tried to wait. I am trying not to mention it every week in my sermon. Really, I am trying.
However, I had a thought today that the anticipated arrival of this little baby girl just might change the way I look at the birth of Jesus . . . forever.
I think of my daughter, son-in-law, and their baby (affectionately named “Fetus Cooley” by her Dad) almost every day. She will come in three and one-half months. I am looking forward to the birth as if it is the most important event in the world for 2010.
If this is how I feel, can you imagine the anticipation of Joseph and Mary as the awaited the birth of “God With Us”? It surely was on their minds each day. I wonder if they knew it would be the most important event in the history of the world!?
The way I feel about my grandchild’s arrival reminds me that the Advent season is a time in which we can anticipate the arrival of Jesus all over again. That is what worship during advent is all about. We go back in our minds to that time leading up to Jesus’ birth. It can be on our minds every day. We can reaffirm our belief that this was a history changing and life changing event.
I also wonder what my granddaughter will do with her life. I know; I need to settle down a bit, but I can’t help thinking about this. After all, this child will be loved by God, and he has a wonderful plan for her life. I wonder what God will do in her and through her?
Mary and Joseph already knew the answer to this question in regard to their son, Jesus. God told Joseph in a dream what his son would accomplish. Regarding Mary, God said, “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21 NIV)
The advent season is a time to reflect on God’s love demonstrated by Jesus payment for our sins. When we trust in Jesus, who died for our sins and rose again from the dead, we will be fully forgiven and accepted by God. Just think, it all began with the birth of a baby.
Christmas Banquet for PEP – People Encouraging People 55+
November 23, 2009 By 1 Comment
Sunday, December 13 at 5:00 PM
Fabulous dinner featuring roasted turkey & ham and all the trimmings, plus delicious desserts…
We want to make this an outreach event, so start thinking of friends you can bring with you for this great evening.
WE WILL ENJOY THE MINISTRY OF OUR OWN ROB & MARY-JO TOWNS. When they were with us a couple of years ago, they were a joy and blessing. They will present a varied program of Christmas music. Their musical ability, sense of humor and warm hearts insure we will have a wonderful evening. There will also be a Christmas Carol Sing-Along.
ALSO BRING A SMALL GIFT for a child in our Big Kids Club child care center. Their ages range from 5 to 13 years of age. Many are from low-income families and would be blessed by your thoughtfulness. Please not wrap your gift so the staff can decide which gift is appropriate for which child.
Don’t miss the encouragement of great fellowship, food and fun.
IF YOU NEED A RIDE, LET PASTOR BILL OR REVA KNOW
LOCATION: Club House of Mobil Country Park at end of Zinfandel
PARKING: Just before the entrance to the park, turn right into “In and Out Burger,” then park on left in front of the office buildings. Walk to the Security Entrance and the entrance to the clubhouse will be right ahead of you.
December in Youth Ministry
November 23, 2009 By Leave a Comment
By Pastor Bryce Cooley
It’s a busy month for Cordova Neighborhood Church and the youth group is no exception!
We have officially gone through one month of the middle school / high school split and it is going well. Slowly but surely the middle school numbers are rising and we have opened up opportunity for high school student leadership to connect with the younger students. Please be praying for our student leadership Tiffany French-Piatt, Sarah Edmondson and Katie Bandy as they learn to tread water in the sea of youth ministry. It has already become evident that our relationships have grown with the middle schoolers; it has been a blessing to see.
Wintercamp is coming up January 29 – 31. We are going to be at Diamond Arrow conference Ground again this year. The theme of the weekend is Head, Hands, Heart (Total Body Fitness). We are learning about the necessity for knowledge of our faith, action within our faith, and devotion to our faith. It is going to be a great time. Make sure your child signs up by January 13. Our speaker this year is Fritz Moga, professor of Student Ministries at William Jessup University.
We will be doing a lot of upcoming fundraisers: putting up Christmas lights, Carol-a-Thon, bake sales, Rent-a-Youth and more. Be sure to check your Sunday bulletins!
Upcoming Youth Events:
- December 18: White Elephant Gift Party (at the Cooleys)
- January 22: Youth Progressive Dinner (4 course meal)
- January 29 – 31: Wintercamp 2010
- February 19: Driving with Dice / Photo Scavenger Hunt
If you have any questions or comments, please e-mail me bryce@cnchurch.org or call 635-5992 ext. 15.
Signs of Christmas
November 23, 2009 By Leave a Comment
By Lori Storey
The Kindergarten through 5th grade children are excited about this year’s Christmas Program. They will be performing a short program, Signs of Christmas on December 13 as part of both services. Come and see the kids of CNC share the true meaning of Christmas!
