Dear CCGR Family,
Not one of us would disagree with how we sometimes wish we could back to the good old days — to simpler times — that there are so many changes taking place around us that have disregarded our traditions and values. And yes, we have to agree that some changes have been for the good of us all. We have come so far in the last few decades with advancement in medicine, technology, education, transportation, and more. But, we have had to forfeit some of the good — like the way we communicate with each other, the social interaction with one another, how we teach our children/what we teach our children and at what age, and the simple thought-out process of how we do things, and more.
And of course, there’s our faith — our ‘foundation’. Faith, and emphasis on God as the focal point of households and our country, has gone by the wayside with so many; thus, churches are losing its people/it’s family — the ‘glue’ of houses of worship — to ‘other important’ things in life.
But, like the early Christians and the battles they fought against, they kept moving forward and witnessing to group after group their heartfelt belief. They were determined to follow Jesus’ teachings, the gift of the Holy Spirit and the promise of salvation. They continued with their outreach, despite rebellious opposition.
Although the changing world has given us some good, we seem to be facing more and more challenges. These tumultuous times — the pandemic and the ‘way of life’ challenges it has brought upon us — the threat of harm it has caused, the hostilities amongst people of different walks of life, so much more seems to be cropping up to challenge our faith.
Change, though — maybe not as rapid as it is today, and life’s challenges, have always existed. Our parents, grandparents, all our forefathers have experienced ‘change’. We don’t have to let ‘change’ change our principles, our values, our belief, our commitment to Christ. As Pastor Terry refers to ‘the sign of the times’, we can let the sign of the times influence our response to many things, but as it hopefully hasn’t changed the handed-down traditions and values we’ve been gifted with, it certainly shouldn’t change what has been and will always be —- our relationship with God. He hasn’t changed; His promises remain the same; and so should our commitment and love for Him.
As Christians, we should continue to come together more than ever to face our adversities and to share our God-given gifts with one and other – to touch others’ lives. Our relationship with God; our ‘lifeline’ as Christians, should be our priority in helping to concur the challenges and the opposition we continue to face. God can help us work through any opposition.
So many God-given gifts in today’s service were shared. It was wonderful to see and hear Mason Van Vliet’s excellent reading of Scripture. (Acts 6:1-7). Such a gift to see one of our youth share in our virtual worship service. And then…, the musical talents shared by Janet Montroy are always special gifts. How beautiful are the sounds of the organ and the piano! It was especially intriguing to see all the complicated footwork that goes into playing the organ. One would never know what actually goes on ‘behind the scenes’! How special for Janet’s gift on the piano of the wonderful rendition of ‘Jesus Loves Me’ as a tribute to Carol Lundquist, and her heartfelt words about our longtime dear CCGR member and friend to many. And how thankful are we for having Rusty Obra…, and his powerful, amazing vocal gifts he frequently shares with us. And to our Pastor, Pastor Terry, for leading us and ensuring we are gifted with his weekly inspiring messages. And, how blessed are we for the recording of these services by Boyd Lowry, enabling our church family to remain spiritually together. (See attachment for Pastor Terry’s full June 22 sermon in print or watch it again via this link https://www.youtube.com/
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Church School News
Candy shared this with the Church School parents, and thought you I’d share.
“Two of our outstanding talented young women in our congregation — Coryn Meyers and Guilia Beaudoin, performed in a recent Glen Rock Middle School Virtual Talent Show.
Coryn performed in a Gymnastics segment, plus played Fur Elise beautifully on the piano.
Guilia sang beautifully, and expressively, “She Used To Be Mine” from the Broadway Show, ‘Waitress’.
If you’d like to view the show, just go on Youtube and enter Glen Rock Middle School Virtual Talent Show. You can watch the whole thing but if you want to just focus on them, they perform from 1:17 – 1:24.”
“Congratulations to both Coryn and Guilia.”
As many of us continue to remain in our homes 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 — Anne Allen & Family (including Anne’s daughters, Liz & family and Sara & Boyd Lowry & Family); Laura Bird-Bennett & Family; Beryl Ferrari; Jean Franklin; Terry Gilligan & Family; Colleen Janssen & Family; Eric Lundquist & Family; Connie Sinkway and the Sinkway/Emery Family; Bob & Doris Van Ostenbridge; 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
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 unprecendented time, please remember supporting Community Church in your time of giving.
~God Bless,
Donna