Dear CCGR Family,
Pastor Terry’s recent sermon from Sunday, 8/2 reminds us that no matter what life brings our way, we can “triumph over tragedy”. https://youtu.be/t4S0Eh5-iLQ
All of us face difficult and challenging circumstances — circumstances causing deep pain and sorrow. People disappoint us, illness strikes, we can experience loss, our family is broken, we lose a job, our own limitations can cause frustration — all which can lead to feeling hopeless. And, it’s so natural to want to know ‘why’ things have occurred and to wonder what possible way God could bring something good from them.
Although we may never make sense of some things, we must trust that suffering should not turn us away from God, but help us to identify with Him further and allow HIs Love to reach us and heal us. Rather than becoming bitter and resentful to God, when we turn our attention away from these circumstances and spend time with Him, we can help remedy these negative doubtful feelings.
As Randi Willey read from Romans 8:35-39, “Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword separate us from the love of Christ?” “NO, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
This passage reaffirms God’s love for all His children, and that no matter what happens to us (although we may not understand ‘why’), we will never be without His love. If we have faith and believe in what Paul is preaching, we should never be afraid; “It is that relationship that will see us through our own tragedies in life.” If we look look to God for hope knowing that He cares for us unconditionally, and with the guidance of the presence of the Holy Spirit, we will find courage and peace in the midst of turmoil.
Until we reach heaven, difficulties will continue to occur. ‘Unanswerable’ turbulent times will always be a part of our life, many of which God uses ultimately for our own good and to help us grow spiritually and closer to Him. Two people might respond totally the opposite from the same tragedy; one may grow closer to God, while the other completely doubts God’s faithfulness.When we face tragedy, we have choices. We have the Lord to go to to depend on; yet, some people allow themselves to be destroyed by getting angry and resentful. As Christians, we have God’s promise that in eternity He will heal us from these sicknesses and troubles. But, in the meantime, on earth, our faith will help carry us through these challenging circumstances. He is by our side — in all ways.
CCGR PRAYER RESOURCES –
Are you looking for a quite place to pray, or others to pray for you?
CCGR’s sanctuary continues to beopen for prayer each Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Please feel free to come by anytime during those hours, for prayer in solitude and the peaceful surrounding of our church. Feel free to stay as long as you’d like. Know that all precautions have been taken to make our sanctuary a safe place. Please use the entrance/exit doors adjacent to the Memorial Garden.
For those more ‘private’ prayer requests, it gives us comfort knowing our church has a small group ‘CCGR Prayer Chain’. We share prayer needs in confidence on a regular basis for those prayers shared with us that you would like to be kept private. If you have a need for prayer that you feel you would like us to share, please see the notation below under the ‘Praying for You’ section.
As many of us continue to remain close to home during this time — or take precautions when we do venture out — we ask that you continue to keep each other in prayer. Please continue to pray for our church members, families, and those close to us who have shared a special part of our lives —
As you may know, Bob Van Ostenbridge had been released from the hospital almost two weeks ago, and is now in hospice care. Please keep Bob & Doris in your special prayers.
In addition, please continue to pray for Anne Allen & Family (including Anne’s daughters, Liz & family and Sara & Boyd Lowry & Family); Ed Archbold; Rich Balch & family (on the recent passing of Rich’s Mother, Eleanor); Laura Bird-Bennett & Family; Okey Chenoweth & Family (on the recent passing of Jane); Rich Dethmers; Beryl Ferrari; Jean Franklin; Terry Gilligan & Family; Colleen Janssen & Family; Eric Lundquist & Family; Connie Sinkway and the Sinkway/Emery Family; Rev. Jerry Wright and his family; Barbara Zucchino & Family; the Ruth Rankin Leaper Family.
Confidential prayer requests that you would like the small group Prayer Chain to pray for may be emailed to Candy Hall at candy.hallccgr@gmail.com
CCGR Book Discussion Group
Kim Franklin will host our next Zoom discussion on Friday, August 14th at 7:00 pm.
The novel chosen is Madame Fourcade’s Secret War by Lynne Olson. Please check with the library for formats available.
All welcome!
Please continue to show your support to CCGR —
Though we cannot be together in person, we continue to be together spiritually as we face this health crisis together. We are gifted with our weekly virtual services and continue to pray for each other. If you’re able during this unprecedented time, please remember supporting Community Church in your time of giving. In addition to mailing contributions, you may access CCGR’s website and donate on-line, as well: https://communitychurchgr.com
Community Thrift Shop
The Community Thrift Shop is now open — with limited hours — to receive donations of clothes, linens, and shoes. They are now beginning to receive fall and winter items, in addition to summer.
If you have any ‘bric-a-brac’, please call before you drop off, as the need for these items changes weekly.
Their current ‘limited’ hours are:
Monday: Drop-off Only (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday: Open for Sales (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
Wednesday & Friday: Closed
(85 Godwin Avenue, Midland Park — in the lower level behind Kings Shopping Center; 201-652-7661)
*Please remember to mention ‘Community Church’ (#3), as we will receive a percentage of any of our donated items.
God Bless!
~Donna
P.S. —- A Message from CCGR’s Office Staff — Josh Gottheimer’s Office Outreach of Support:
For your information only — Barbara Zucchino (from our church office) suggested I share the following:
“Katie (201-803-0560), from Josh Gottheimer’s office, called our church office relaying that any members of our congregation having problems with social security, unemployment, grants, etc., can call her for help.” (Gotheimer’s main office # is 201-389-1100.)
PLEASE NOTE: (If you do end up calling, we suggest you do not provide any personal information, i.e., social security number, bank account number, etc.)