Caring for the neighborhood and beyond
2011 World Focus Weekend
February 10-13
With our overseas workers, the Greenfields!
P.E.P. Brunch Feb. 10 10am
Youth Group Feb. 10 7pm
Men’s Breakfast Feb. 12 8am
Women’s Reception Feb. 12 2pm
Sunday Services Feb. 13 9:30 & 11
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Begin planning now for Jordan 2011!
Impact lives. Expand your world. Honor God.
Coming in July.
by Pastor Jeff Davies
Recently, I have been challenged to think a little more broadly. I see some unusual or even tragic circumstance in the life of a person around me, and I wonder, “Why does God act in such strange ways?” Perhaps hitting a little closer to home–what might a God like that do to the plans I have for my life? After all, who sends his own Son into the world to be killed as its Savior?
As I wrestle through this my mind turns to the many times God says “then you will know” in the Scriptures. Apparently we often don’t understand, but he wants us to get it. He wants to bring us along in his design, showing us his majesty and goodness even in the bazaar, weird, tragic, and heart-breaking. He wants us to see some of what he sees, and he is working to show us.
by Pastor Jeff Davies
We’ve all got ‘em. I have them. You have them. Those pesky little (or not so little) areas in our lives that seem to frustrate us so greatly. Often we chalk it up to another’s fault. Left to ourselves we’ve had a perfectly glorious day. Then that family member or that co-worker does or says just the right thing to set us off. Of course as we mature we get better at not having a major meltdown on the spot. Does that mean we are better off, or just more skilled at hiding?
I have come to a conclusion based largely on my own life but also observed in others. These “hot-button” areas are great indicators, not of how bad someone else is, but of where we are. They are tell-tale signs of areas in which we need to grow. If we are truly healthy in an area, we should have grace toward others in that area. A guy content in who he is doesn’t have to jump to defend an infringement of his character. A lack of patience toward others or uncontrolled anger indicates a deficiency in us, regardless of the circumstances that sparked a particular incident.
I am not saying we should never be frustrated. Wrongs are done in this world, and they are offensive in their nature. We should be mad about injustices and seek to right them. But perhaps we should ask ourselves if someone else is being hurt by the situation. Is there truly something wrong in what is going on, or do I simply not like it? Left to ourselves we often get a distorted view of life, particularly in areas that involve us. What might a level-headed observer conclude?
So where does that leave us when we are set off in the course of our day? Here’s a wild idea: instead of beating ourselves up with guilt and shame about how we’re horrible Christians who can’t seem to handle our mess, why not thank God? Recognize we often do act like silly little kids toward God and thank him for his faithfulness toward us. We can even thank him for the reminder of our need to live our lives in the power of his.
Rather than letting that person ruin our whole afternoon, why not recognize the moment as an opportunity to grow in maturity. It’s a moment to take a step toward our destiny, the noble and radiant Bride of Christ being revealed in us all.
by Pastor Jeff Davies
The Associated Church Press (ACP) has granted Alliance Life
two Awards of Excellence, the association’s highest honor.
Alliance Life (ALife) Magazine, the award-winning review of C&MA missions and ministries, has for 128 years inspired its readers with stories of the living God transforming situations, countries, and lives. Pictures, full color layouts and articles help thrust readers into a world far away and join their hearts in prayer for these dark places. The stories are gripping and powerful as they share how God is at work through the Alliance all around the globe. Never in its existence has ALife been free of charge—until last month.
In a bold move, the decision was made to move the magazine from a paid subscription to a complimentary publication. The move is daring, and in my opinion, a brilliant stroke. True, on its own this is a financial blunder. But as ALife’s editor Peter Burgo says, “It’s not about the magazine. Never was. Never will be. It’s about the message.”
ALife is about connecting Alliance people with some of the truly baffling things Jesus is doing to reach a lost world. It’s about mobilizing the Alliance Family to join Christ as he redeems people. And it’s about challenging ourselves to live out the deeper purposes and meaning God has for our lives. And now it’s free.
Don’t be mistaken, though. Free doesn’t mean cheap. Here it doesn’t mean shoddy either. Simply put, the magazine is important enough to have in the hands of Alliance members that it is given to all that request it. So I encourage you to check it out here or in hard copy at the church office, and then sign up to begin receiving your complimentary and haggle-free subscription every six weeks. Get ready; I think you will be blown away with God at work in the lives of his people.
In addition to their webpage (www.alliancelife.org/contact) you can sign up for Alliance Life’s free subscription by mail or over the phone.
Alliance Life
The Christian and Missionary Alliance
8595 Explorer Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Phone: 719-265-2171
E-mail: alife@cmalliance.org
By Pastor Jeff Davies
I think most families at Cordova Neighborhood are aware that we host an Arabic Alliance Church on Sunday afternoons. What most do not know, however, is that in the last several months, doors have opened to unprecedented ministry among Arabs in the Sacramento area. God is bringing them to our very doorstep.
The war in Iraq has displaced many families. Largely destitute and hurting, these refugees seek shelter all over the world. Greater Sacramento is receiving many. The Arabic Church is in contact with over fifty Iraqi families, with around four more coming each month. These are hundreds of people desperate for love and hope.
To share God’s love in a practical way , Pastor Raed and his congregation are providing aid and services to the refugees as they adjust to American life. The church is receiving donations to outfit apartments with basic furniture. Job training is given in addition to rides for medical or DMV appointments. These families are thrilled just to receive a visit, as they often are almost completely isolated.
The Arabic Church has been desperately striving to keep pace with the needs of so many. Plainly put, the job is too great for them alone. Other churches are beginning to respond with volunteers who spend a few hours distributing furniture or simply sitting with a family over tea. Having touched the lives of a few families in this way, I can share first-hand the impact a caring soul has on these refugees. For many it is likely the first time they have ever seen Christ embodied in his Church.
We too are privileged to have this ministry laid out before us. What an unprecedented opportunity! First of all, I would ask you to take a moment to pray for the Arabic Church and the refugees they assist. Secondly, I ask you to consider giving a few hours to deeply impact a family who has lost virtually everything they know. It truly isn’t as scary as it may sound. I bet you will be surprised at how easy and joyful it is. Below are some ways you can assist, followed by contact information for the Refugee Program Director, Aaron Steinert and Pastor Raed. You can also email me at Jeff@CNChurch.org.
Opportunities:
Contact:
Aaron Steinert, Refugee Program Director
916 752-0973
atsteinert@gmail.com
Pastor Raed Awabdeh, Arabic Church of Sacramento
916 320-3429
By Pastor Jeff Davies
Nathan Greenfield will be with us December 6 to share what God has been doing in the Arab World. Come see what impact our church is having in shining the light of Christ!
God is indeed at work throughout the world, and South America is no different. In 2010 our World Focus Weekend 
will be highlighted by Bob Boston, field director for the C&MA work in Paraquay. Hear Bob February 7 as he shares how the Lord has been transforming lives through the Gospel, and how we too have a part in this venture.
By Pastor Jeff Davies
I once knew a pastor who was routinely asked by good-intentioned people how he filled his schedule. It was as if they said to him, “It’s obvious you are busy on Sunday, but what do you do with all that free time the rest of the week?” He and I would laugh about this as there were always more ministry opportunities than available time. In the spirit of only seeing the tip of the iceberg, here’s a breakdown of some of the responsibilities I oversee. I have grouped them into my ministry M.A.P. (Missions, Administration, Pastoral ministry).
