Dear CCGR Family,
 
February 7, 2021 Worship Service
Pastor Terry’s sermon title, Listen Up, Class!    
Scripture Reading:  Matthew 5:  1-12;  Read by Robin Emery
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.  This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Pastor Terry’s sermon provided us with a new way of hearing the Sermon on the Mount.  He spoke about the blessedness of the here and now.  A blessedness  Christians have already entered -immune to influences of life.  Human happiness depends on life’s circumstances – but the Christian happiness cannot be surpassed or taken away – that comes from Christ in our lives.  If you haven’t had a chance, listen to the beatitudes in this new way- As Pastor Terry states, the Sermon on the Mount  is the core essence of Christianity.
The words of the sermon combined with the beautiful music, “Come thou Fount” and “the Lord’s Prayer” sung by Melanie Lota and “Be thou my vision” played by Janet Montroy helped create the ground for our own soul searching  of how through the meditation of Jesus’ teaching on the beatitudes can help us live with  love, compassion and forgiveness.
We are so grateful to have not only Pastor Terry but Janet Montroy and Boyd Lowry each week to help keep us all connected!  When you have a minute, take the time to let them know how much you appreciate their work on our behalf.
PRAYING FOR EACH OTHER
“When you can’t put your prayer into words, God hears your heart.”
Anonymous
Please continue to pray for all of our church members and families.  This has been a difficult time for almost all of us.  Some of us because of  loss and grief, some for health issues and some for other types of challenges.  Most of us are struggling and are comforted to know others are praying for them.  
 
We particularly mourn the loss of Ruth McWilliams Strickland who passed away on February 1, 2021.  A dedicated Community Church member, wife, mother and friend to so many, she created and maintained the church library for many years.  Her upbeat outlook and friendly open ways will be greatly missed.    
 
Please continue your special prayers for:  Kim Briggs,  Carolyne Gulmy Monti, Jean Franklin,  Bob Freudenrich, Janice Roed, Beryl Ferrari and Connie Sinkway.  
 
CCGR PRAYER CHAIN
The prayer chain consists of a small group of people who pray daily for people in our congregation- especially for those who wish to keep their needs and prayers private and confidential.  For those more ‘private’ prayer requests, please email requests to: 
Candy Hallat candy.hallccgr@gmail.com and Donna Nihen at blackvelvet1299@aol.com, and of course, Pastor Terry at pastor@communitychurchgr.com.   
 
What’s Happening in the next few weeks:
Get your brain and body fit with Ageless Grace!
9am Wednesday Mornings:  Come to Fellowship Hall or via Zoom –
Join Sara Lowry for our weekly Ageless Grace class!
Ageless Grace is a brain health fitness program based on the science of neuroplasticity- the brain’s ability to change form.  The 21 tools in Ageless Grace stimulate the 5 function of the brain:
S-Strategic Planning
M-Memory and Recall
A- Analytical Thinking
C-Creativity and Imagination
K- Kinesthetic Learning
At the same time, Ageless Grace engages the systems of the body: the circulatory system, respiratory system, lymphatic system, digestive system and endocrine system.
Ageless Grace is practiced to music and seated in a chair to allow arms and legs to move at the same time and challenge the brain to create new pathways doing so.
Get your brain fit!  It’s never too early to learn or too late to start!
We are so lucky to have Sara teaching this very important program – so needed as some of us are home and isolated more.  Each week every church member receives an invitation to join this great program.  Give it a try!
 
 
Vision Planning Update!  We want to hear from you!
.
Members of the Vision Planning Committee thank the choir and the rest of the Music Ministry for sharing their ideas about the church and our community through Zoom on February 7th.
Over the next few weeks, the team will be inviting the Church School parents and members of the Prayer Chain to share their ideas. After that the team will be setting up Zoom conferences with individuals as well as those involved with some of our other church groups. We hope that when you are contacted, you will be able to find the time to take part. After all, it is the Community Church or, Your Church. Now more than ever, your input will be helpful in shaping the future!
Souperbowl Results:
CCGR Youth thank you for your contributions to the Souperbowl Drive.  The Chiefs collected 58 cans of soup and the Buccaneers collected 41 cans.   
Total financial contributions came to an amazing $2100.
Thank you all for your generosity!  Your support is critical in providing a variety of essential services that help local families and individuals who are struggling to put food on their tables and keep a roof over their heads.   
    
 
CCGR Book Club
Next CCGR Book Club will be meeting via Zoom on
Friday, February 12th at 7 p.m.
“The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett
Everyone is welcome.  Contact Kim Franklin at
kfranklin@mlschools.org is you want to join.
 
CCGR Celebrations – in case you missed it last week…..
 
Congratulations to Janet and Gary Montroy on the birth of Grandchildren !!
Sally Astrid Schechter was born on January 14th weighing 7 lbs. 14.5 oz.
 Mom and Dad: Beth and Jeff Schechter,
 and brother Ozzie.
Kaiden Joseph was born on January 29th
 weighing 7 lbs. 12 oz
 Mom and Dad:  Stephanie and Matt
In Janet’s words, “we are so blessed with this Baby Bonanza!!!” 
And of course we are all overjoyed for the families as well.  
 
~~ Happy “February” Birthdays ~~
Pam Speck, Feb. 1st
Diane Herrlett, Feb. 6th
Brian Bieszard, Feb. 19th
GLEN ROCK’S RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES
The Religious Communities of Glen Rock have begun a social media campaign to reach our community with messages of hope, unity and healing.
Each week, the message will come from a different religious community.  Their message is being posted at facebook.com/glenrockinterfaith.  Please go to their Facebook page and check it out.  
     
Don’t forget to check:
for additional community news and updates.
 
 
 
And finally, please remember to support
 Community Church – your church:
You can donate on our website:     https://communitychurchgr.com ,
 set up auto-pay through your bank,
 or pay by mail.
Thank you!
 
 
God Bless,Pray
~Candy and Donna
X
X