What are you workin' on big?

It's very hard to come up with a satisfactory answer to this question because what defines big? To my almost 3 year old nephew, big is taking care of his favorite stuffed animal "Mya" and going to the bathroom by myself (I've had that aced for years now). What if God were to ask me that same question? What am I doing that would be big to the creator of the universe?

I think about the way most of us pray and what most of us pray for and to God our prayers must be rather…small. I openly admit to praying for passing grades on tests, dates, jobs, money, and countless other little things. In that you get lost in the minute by minute, day-to-day life. Those prayers are all about me and in the grand scheme of my life are all things that would take care of themselves on their own. When I look back from my deathbed will I really care I got a C on that test instead of a B, or I only got 70% of my bonus instead of 100%? I think God wants us to pray for things bigger than ourselves or this day or this week. I think God wants us to aim higher and go bigger with our prayers.

"Matthew 6

31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

I think God wants us to honor him with the size and tenacity of our prayers. Do you think it's difficult for the King of Kings to see to it that you get your bonus, or that your stock options mature? I do not propose to say that these are too insignificant for God, but in these little things there isn't much room for him to show his might, power, and love.

If you've been a Christian for more than 12 minutes you've probably come across a situation where we gather and pray for one another, it's a thing we do. During these groups or at our small group meetings we take "prayer requests" that are often followed by a few minutes of uncomfortable silence while people think of things to pray for. I openly admit to doing this in my small group as well. If you have to think for awhile about something to have other people pray for is it really that important to you? Are you praying for it as well? Don't you think if that need was big and it burned inside you that it wouldn't take but a moment to shout out? Again I'm guilty of this. I think every small group should have something higher than itself that it should pray for.

I challenge you to think of something that is bigger than yourself that you are emotional about. Think of something larger than this week or this month and that if God doesn't act it's not going to happen. I'm not talking about something that may or may not work out on its own, but a mountain that if God himself doesn't move it nothing will happen. I want you to find something that brings you to tears every time you think about it.

If we have something bigger than ourselves to pray for, something so big that it honors God with its scale and difficulty, how do we pray for it?

Shameless asking.

Jesus told the following parable to his disciples:

"Luke 11

 5Then he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 6because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.'

 7"Then the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' 8I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness, he will get up and give him as much as he needs.

 9"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."

Historically back in this time there was one common room that everyone slept in and they all shared blankets for warmth. They all went to bed at the same time and all woke up in the morning at the same time. For someone to get out of bed in the middle of the night would mean that everyone in the house would have to get up as well. It was an all or nothing sort of process. As in most of Jesus' parables the disciples knew that one of the men is them, and the other man is God. They decided when they pray, they are the man asking for bread, and God is the man sleeping in the house. Although it does read like we annoy God until he gives us what we ask for, but I think the opposite is true. That God is honored by our persistence, that he responds to boldness and that he respects us coming to him every day saying "God I need this and it's not going to happen without you making it happen. I'm going to ask you every single day about this until you move."

Abraham did it and God gave him the world. Moses did it and he freed the Israelites. Why not me? Why not you?

Go Big.

2009 is just a few days away and we wonder, what will it bring? We think of new hopes and the anticipation of a fresh start. There is an eagerness, despite the chill of early winter and after-holiday quietness from a pile of celebrations. 

Consider these Questions for a New Year -- some thought provoking insights about how we spend our time and where we put our energies in the new year. 

Perhaps you might make some resolutions… click here for some not so traditional but certainly meaningful Resolutions for a New Year.

We're not all oriented to write new years resolutions or to set lofty goals, but, we can challenge ourselves to new spiritual growth… growth and purpose for each new day we are blessed with.

"...for this is the day The Lord has given us, let's rejoice, and be glad in it!" 

Here's the updated re:connect schedule for the next 8-week cycle.

1.    Wednesday, 12/17 – friend connect
2.    Wednesday, Jan 7 – small group
3.    Wednesday, Jan 14 – re:connect worship gathering (Evan’s)
4.    Wednesday, Jan 21 – small group
5.    Wednesday, Jan 28 – serving a single mom
6.    Wednesday, Feb 4 – small group
7.    Wednesday, Feb 11 – re:connect party
8.    Wednesday, Feb 18 – small group
9.    Wednesday, Feb 25 – friend connect

Keep in mind, 'Wednesday' is just a weekly placeholder.  Your small group and your service to a single mom may meet on another night.

Questions? Contact your small group leader or Melanie at mdossantos@visitchristcommunity.com

Everybody is welcome to come to a Cafe Night here at CCC in the Student Center on Friday, January 2, from 6:30-9:30 pm.  Come and hear Lee Ann & Justin Tobin and other local artists play live music.  Have a relaxing evening, enjoying amazing coffee and culinary delights!  (Childcare will be provided.)

Advent is a season that gives us the opportunity to practice something that is hard for most of us to do: wait.  Advent teaches us to wait for the coming or the arrival of Christ into our world, not just way back in Biblical times, but now--in the places where we long for his presence and need his movement among us.

Advent ushers us into a special kind of waiting that is alert and watchful, patient and yet full of anticipation. 

We are all waiting for something this Christmas… are you waiting for special traditions, an expected gift, a planned gathering?  Perhaps you are waiting for relief from difficult circumstances, for answers to a medical problem, direction for a big decision, forgiveness from a loved one, or perhaps, restoration of a broken relationship?

Waiting is never easy, but a necessary and humbling part of our spiritual journey. Waiting reminds us that we cannot control the circumstances we face, that we need to be yielded to one who is sovereign... The One who knew we needed a Savior in the form of a baby born who would fulfill the innermost needs of our souls.

These questions usher us into the waiting room of the soul that we occupy more fully during the season of Advent. This is the place where we wait for God to revive us, to restore us and to reveal himself to us in ways that we can see and know him. In the waiting room we are called to hold and to hold on until we discover that Jesus is near.

So as the bustle, chaos and circumstances of these days press against you as we move toward Christmas morning… remember, the wait for this child called Jesus, the Christ child… Wonderful, Counselor, Prince of Peace… Almighty God, was worth it.

“No one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who orks for those who wait for him.” - Isaiah 64:4

Download PDF on the Incomparable Christ 

Perhaps you've heard the saying, "Many hands make work light." It was that saying that helped inspire the name and direction of a new ministry geared toward assisting single moms with various needs around their homes. Many Hands team members are made up of people from various ministries of Christ Community Church including the Retired Men's group, re:connect small groups as well as members of 30/40 and Classic Singles.

We are so thankful to God for raising up a group of people who are not only willing but excited to serve the single moms in our church and community. They have given generously of their time and talents to provide support in areas from meals to maintenance and so much in between, not the least of which has been the building of relationships and genuine care. In just the short time since the first team went out two weeks ago, much has been accomplished. Here is just a sampling: meals have been provided, lights have been fixed, wood has been chopped, leaves raked, gutters cleaned, hedges trimmed, insulation installed, walls painted, windows repaired, a dog walked and much much more.

So Thank You to all of our Many Hands ministry team members. What you've done has meant so much to so many already. To read what some of the single moms have to say about your help, please read the article below entitled "Single Moms Respond". You are truly making a difference.

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me.'" Matthew 25:40

We are excited about several opportunities this month to share together in joyful celebrations of Christmas. Our holiday events have been planned, prepared and prayed for… designed specifically for you to invite a friend, neighbor, or family member.  

Is there someone you need to encourage during this busy holiday season?  Are you looking for a meaningful way to reconnect with a friend or a even a whole family? Considering how to reach out to your co-worker? 

Here are some opportunities you don't want to miss... 

Women's Christmas Celebrations: Christmas Jewels… brilliant reflections of the heart of Christmas.  This event features a holiday buffet and two guest artists, Emory Colvin of Dramatic Encounters and Lee Ann Tobin, worship leader with YWAM.  All women are invited to join us at the celebration that best fits your schedule [Dec 9th-10th-11th]. Invitations are available at the women's table, or you can click the button to the left of this web page for more information/details. This is a FREE event, but know that you will go away with some amazing treasures.

Invite a family and come along to A Very Merry Christmas... a family event designed for families with preschool through elementary age children. This is FREE event, held on Friday December 12th, 7:00-8:30 pm.  A very fun evening for the entire family, this evening will include crafts, games, snacks, a live nativity and Christmas caroling. Register for this event to help us plan by clicking on the button on the left of this web page.   

Mark your calendar now for Christmas Week services:

• Christmas Concerts: Dec. 19th at 7pm & Dec. 20th at 3pm
• Christmas Eve Services: Dec. 24th, 4:00, 6:00, & 8:00pm.

 Febuary 6th- 8th

Ground Zero's Winter Retreat

at Streamside in the Poconos 

 Join us for a weekend

of fun, and friends

as we grow in our faith. 

Registration forms are in the Student Center 

Deadline to sign up:  January 18th 

Christmas brings memories of glittery reflections… shiny bows, wrapped packages, tinsel, tree lights, jewel-tone colors, vibrant images and sparkling memories. So much of our holiday celebrations are filled with a unique combination of contrasting memories of old and expectations for new celebrations with those we love.  

Join us this year as we celebrate together Christmas Jewels… brilliant reflections of the heart of Christmas.  We are delighted to feature two guest artists, Emory Colvin of Dramatic Encounters and Lee Ann Tobin worship leader with YWAM.   This is a terrific time to bring a friend, sister, mother, neighbor or co-worker ... to share in the jewels of this season with you.  Choose the celebration that best fits your schedule [Dec 9th-10th-11th]. This is a FREE event, but know that you will go away with some amazing treasures!

Invitations are available at the women's table. If you would like to help provide food for our festive buffet, stop at the table and sign up. Questions/directions? call (610.431.0300x109) or email Louann, or click HERE for more info. 

Our new single moms class (click button at left for details) welcomed 15 single moms over the first three weeks.  The group has already decided to keep going up until Dec. 21, and then start again January 4.  Any single mom is welcome to join the group at anytime.

As part of this new effort, we are forming a 'helping hands' ministry. So far, re:connect (our ministry to 20somethings), 30/40 and a group of CCC retired men have begun to create a process where they can help single moms with practical needs around their home.

If you are a single mom looking to connect with other single moms, consider attending the next class.  Classes meet on Sunday's at 9am in room 201 at Christ Community Church.  Once in the group, you can share some of the practical needs you might have around your home.  From there, we'll see if we can help!  For questions about our single moms group, email Jen at teamwalsh@hotmail.com.

Thanksgiving Dinner - Salvation Army in Coatesville
Once again, we have the privilege of preparing and serving the Thanksgiving dinner at the Salvation Army in Coatesville.  You can be involved with this effort in many ways:  providing food for the meal, donating food to stock the pantry, and serving in a variety of capacities. There will be sign-ups in the church lobby on November 2, 9, and 16.  Food to stock the pantry may be dropped off in the church lobby up until November 16. The actual dinner will be held Sunday, November 23, from 3-4:30 and take out meals will be provided from 4:30-5:30. If you have any questions, you may contact Barbara at .

Pajama Drive for Coatesville
This year Christ Community Church will have the opportunity to participate in a Pajama Drive with the Salvation Army in Coatesville.  We need 250 pajamas for needy children in the Coatesville area.  Cards will be available to choose from on November 23 and 30 with a child's name, gender and size on it.  Take the card, purchase pajamas, and put them in a grocery bag with the card taped on the outside.  Bring them to the church lobby on December 7 and 14, and they will be distributed to the children in need.

Partner with the Orphan Care Coalition
November is National Adoption Month. The statistics are staggering, over 100,000 children in the United States, 1000 right here in Pennsylvania, long to know the love and care of parents, the stability of a family, and a permanent home. We are partnering with the Orphan Care Coalition in PA, DE and NJ to raise awareness and support for children right here in our community who are waiting for a forever family. CLICK HERE to download a flyer with more information.

Operation Christmas Child
For millions of children, Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes are tangible expressions of God's love and constant presence. Allowing your child to participate will bring them a sense of worldwide responsibility that God had given us to spread his love. If you would like more information about participating this year, please see our KidzROCK ministry table for a brochure. Then drop off completed boxes to our tables November 16th and November 23rd during Sunday morning.

Dear beloved sponsors and friends of ….. India.
 
We have never seen anything like this.   We knew that Orissa was the most resistant and hostile State in India as far as the Gospel is concerned. And we brushed off the continuous threats and harassment we faced as we went about His work.  But none of our staff imagined that they would see this kind of carnage.... And it seems to be totally under the radar of the Western Media. ....
 
Let me explain.... A militant Hindu priest and 4 of his attendants, who were zealously going around the villages of Orissa and 'reconverting' people back to Hinduism, were gunned down by unknown assailants in Central Orissa last weekend.
 
Immediately the Christians were blamed. The cry rose up...'Kill the Christians!' And the horror began.... In the past 4 days, we have first hand witness to hundreds of churches being blown up or burned and many, many dozens of Christian tribals have been slaughtered. For no other reason than they bear the name of Christ.
 
Night and day I have been in touch with our India Directors spread across 14 Centers in Orissa… which are right in the middle of all this chaos. In Tihidi, just after the police came to offer protection, a group of 70 blood-thirsty militants came to kill our staff and destroy the home.  They were not allowed to get in, but they did a lot of damage to our Center, by throwing rocks and bricks and smashing our gate, etc.
 
They have promised to come back and 'finish the job.' Our kids and staff are locked inside and have stayed that way with doors and windows shut for the past 3 days. It has been a time of desperately calling on the Lord in prayer.
 
More police have come to offer protection.  In Kalahandi, the police and some local sympathizers got to our center and gave our staff and kids about 3 minutes notice to vacate. No one had time to even grab a change of clothes or any personal belonging. As they fled, the blood thirsty mob came to kill everyone in the building. We would have had a mass funeral there, but for His grace.  In Phulbani, the mob came looking for Christian homes. The local Hindu people, our neighbors turned them away by saying that there were no Christians in this area. So they left.  We had favor. The same thing happened in Balasore.
 
All our centers are under lock down with the kids and staff huddled inside and police outside. The fanatics are circling outside waiting for a chance to kill. Others were not so fortunate. In a nearby Catholic orphanage, the mob allowed the kids to leave and locked up a Priest and a computer teacher in house and burned them to death. Many believers have been killed and hacked into pieces and left on the road.... even women and children.  At another orphanage run by another organization, when this began, the Director and his wife jumped on their motorbike and simply fled, leaving all the children and staff behind. Every one of our directors that I have spoken to said: 'We stay with our kids.... we live together or die together, but we will never abandon what God has called us to do.' More than 5000 Christian families have had their homes burned or destroyed. They have fled into the jungles and are living in great fear waiting for the authorities to bring about peace. But so far, no peace is foreseen.
 This will continue for another 10 days.... supposedly the 14 day mourning period for the slain Hindu priest. Many more Christians will die and their houses destroyed. Many more churches will be smashed down. The Federal government is trying to restore order and perhaps things will calm down. We ask for your prayers. Only the Hand of God can calm this storm. None of us know the meaning of persecution. But now our kids and staff know what that means. So many of our kids coming from Hindu backgrounds are confused and totally bewildered at what is happening around them. So many of their guardians have fled into the jungles and are unable to come and get them during these trying times.   Through all this, I am more determined than ever to continue with our goal: the transformation of a community by transforming its children. Orissa will be saved… that is our heart's cry. If we can take these thousands of throw-away children and help them to become disciples of Jesus, they will transform an entire region. It is a long term goal, but it is strategic thinking in terms of the Great Commission.
 
What can you do? First, please uphold all this in fervent prayer. Second, pass this e-mail on to as many friends as you can. We must get the word out and increase our prayer base for this is spiritual warfare at its most basic meaning. We are literally fighting the devil in order to live for His Kingdom. The next 10 days are crucial. We pray for peace and calm to pervade across Orissa. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Please pass it on and help us to get as many people to partner with us on this cutting edge effort to fulfill His mandate: Go and make disciples of all nations....
 Prayer works!
 
Blessings, Col 2:2 MBI
 Team Facilitators