Community Congregational Church. February 2015 Newsletter

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Marvin Wiggins
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1 Community Congregational Church February 2015 Newsletter 1

2 What is Valentine s Day? Valentines. Where did the tradition of giving notes of love and affection every February 14th come from? Valentine was a physician and priest living in Rome during the rule of the Emperor Claudius, and became one of the noted martyrs of the third century. The memorial of his death, which occurred in the year 270, became part of the calendar of remembrance in the early church of the West. Tradition states that on the day of his execution for his Christian faith, he left a note of encouragement for a child of his jailer written on an irregularlyshaped piece of paper. This greeting, the first valentine, became a pattern for millions of written expressions of love and caring we are familiar with today. Our Lord knows a little something about love (1 John 4:7-11 NIV) "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. {This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." God is love. And He showed forth that loving character by sending His Son to live and die for those who did not love Him, in fact who despised and rejected Him us. He did not love us because we loved Him first, indeed, we cannot by fallen nature ever love Him on our own. No, He loved us first because He alone IS love. A sacrificial Love. And since He lovingly sent His Son to us, He has graciously made us truly alive in Him that is, those who once again by grace through faith are connected to Him and His love. Those who can reflect God s love and image to those around us. The Christian cannot but love. Yes, we have a selfish, evil, sinful nature that clings to us still, breathing hatred and self-centeredness into us and through us. But it is at war with that new and loving nature of Christ that we have been born again. We have the Love of God in Christ flowing into us, causing us to respond with fruits, acts of love and godliness to those around us. These loving acts are of God, and bear witness to His love and the faith and life which He has re-created within us. These loving acts did not MAKE us alive, rather they are the evidence of that life, indeed, the natural result of that life that is ours through faith. CCC, as the 14th of February draws closer, may the God Who is Love, make you ever mindful of The Valentine of all valentines, His dear Son, nailed to a cross for you, buried in a tomb for you, and raised from the dead for you. And mindful of that Love which made you alive by His work of grace, that you would be so moved to love in kind not only your Lord, but those who are around you, that they too might see the Love of God for them lived out before them. That they might know you are Jesus disciples by your love for them. For Him and Only Him, Pastor Eric 2

Community Congregational Church Account Balances as of 12/31/14 Checking $66,265. Money Market $29,546. Business Savings 434. Total available cash $96,245 Mortgage Reserve $85,642.

3 Community Congregational Church Account Balances as of 12/31/14 Checking $66,265. Money Market $29,546. Business Savings 434. Total available cash $96,245 Mortgage Reserve $85,642. (non-spendable) CNL Mortgage Balance 12/31/14 $2,155,907. February 2015 Happy Birthday! Feb 1 Janet Betka Feb 10 Dorris Wollam Feb 2 Bea Macier Feb 12 Helen Hayes Feb 3 Valary Banker Feb 13 Jim Booth Feb 4 Nancy Glaskin Feb 13 Nancy Hagelbarger Feb 4 Charles Lewis Feb 13 Marilyn Powers Feb 6 Linda Burton Feb 13 Gloria Rice Feb 7 Elaine Booth Feb 16 Wayne Brown Feb 7 Stacey Frerichs Feb 20 Lola Torres Feb 7 Bo Landers Feb 21 Len Lewis Feb 8 Ellie Klingbiel Feb 26 Bob Van Scoy 3

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY THE MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM TUESDAYS AT 1:00 PM Anyone interested in joining us for prayer, devotionals, conversation, and doing service for others in need of comfort as they go

A well-lit closet is filled with colorful yarns waiting for eager hands to create beautiful garments that carry God's message of His Love.

4 PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY THE MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM TUESDAYS AT 1:00 PM Anyone interested in joining us for prayer, devotionals, conversation, and doing service for others in need of comfort as they go through life's changes, we meet on Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. and would love to have you join us. We now have bright lights, comfortable seats and large tables to lay out your work. A well-lit closet is filled with colorful yarns waiting for eager hands to create beautiful garments that carry God's message of His Love. As always, requests for prayer shawls can be made by contacting , or by a message to the church office Yours in Christ, Lucille Lambruschi Men's Bible Study meets every Tuesday at Perkins Restaurant in Bonita Springs at 7:45 a.m. Dutch treat breakfast and a great Bible study to follow led by J. Rex Sims. All men are welcome. 4

5 Valentine s Day Bible Verses What do you know about Valentine s Day? Even today it is all about love notes, hearts, candy and even red roses. But did you know that originally it was about celebrating bird mating season? It s true, mid-february is when the bird mating season happens in European countries and so they decided lovers should celebrate love along with the birds! I no longer really observe the day, but many Christians and non-christians do. Since it is about love, it is very easy to find Bible verses that relate, and that is where my HEART is and the HEART of Stephen Ministry. Take note of these Bible Quotes that you can meditate upon as Valentine s Day approaches. Bible Characters Who Loved Jacob loved Genesis 29:20 So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her. Paul encouraged the Colossians to love Colossians 3:14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Love: Better, Stronger, Greater & Perfect Proverbs 10:12 (KJV) Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins. 1 Corinthians 13:13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. God s Love is Steadfast, Unselfish & Enduring Daniel 9:4 I prayed to the LORD my God and made confession, saying, O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love Him and keep His commandments... And there is the ultimate LOVE John 3:16 For God so loved the world, That He gave His only BegottEn SoN That whosoever Believeth In Him Should Not perish, But have Everlasting life. CHRIST CARING FOR PEOPLE THROUGH PEOPLE 5

SUNDAYS 9:00 am Circle of Prayer Living Room 9:30 am Traditional Worship Service Sanctuary 11:15 am C3 Modern Worship Service The Worship Center Community Congregational Church Schedule of Activities

6 SUNDAYS 9:00 am Circle of Prayer Living Room 9:30 am Traditional Worship Service Sanctuary 11:15 am C3 Modern Worship Service The Worship Center Community Congregational Church Schedule of Activities Communion Sunday February 1 Fellowship Time Please join us in the Lewis Connection Center between the two services WEEKLY ACTIVITIES Mondays 6:30-8:30 pm Worship Team Rehearsal The Worship Center Tuesdays 7:30 am Men s Bible Study Perkins 11:13 am Women s Bible Study MP 3:00 pm Read the Bible for All It's Worth TBA 6:13 pm Attic Youth Group Attic 7:00 pm R.I.B.S. TBA 7:00 pm Read the Bible for All It's Worth TBA Wednesdays 9:00 am Mid-Week Encounter Meet in Church Office 5:00 pm Choir Rehearsal Sanctuary 6:30 pm WOW Embrace Group MP 7:30 pm C&C Embrace Troyer s Home Thursdays 12:00 Noon Circle of Prayer Sanctuary Fridays 12:00 Noon Bulletin Collation CR Saturdays 11:00 am Invitation to the Old Testament MP NEW OFFICE HOURS MONDAY-THURSDAY 9:00 AM 3:00 PM FRIDAY 9:00 AM - NOON Daily Bread Sanctuary Monday - Friday 8:00 8:30 am Special Events Mondays Feb 9 & 23 (2 nd & 4 th Monday) 7:00 pm Stephen Ministry Meeting MP Tuesdays Feb 3 3:00 pm Endowment MP 6:00 pm Elders CR Feb 10 5:30 pm Administrative Council CR Feb 24 6:00 pm Leadership Focus Gallery Wednesdays Feb 18 7:00 pm Ash Wednesday Service Sanctuary Fridays Feb 13 10:00 am Financial Class Gallery Feb 20 6:00 pm Family Night TWC C&C = College & Career CR = Conference Room MP = Multi-Purpose Room TBA = To Be Announced TWC = The Worship Center WOW = Wednesday of Wonder 6

7 Endowment Fund Community Congregational Church A Lasting Legacy for Your Family For those of you who would like to leave a tribute and lasting legacy for your family and loved ones, consider a gift to the church endowment fund. Earnings from your gift are used to support church missions, special church improvements, and to benefit the community surrounding us. This can make a difference in people s lives. You would be leaving a lasting impact for generations yet to come. The principal of your gift is preserved and the interest, dividends, and earnings generated from your gift are used to benefit humanity and to glorify God and our Savior, Jesus Christ. All of our riches & assets come from God. Let us give back a fraction of what we receive from Him in response for His grace in our lives and in our church. Take some time to look over the Endowment Book displayed at the south end of the Connection Center. There you will find the names of people from the church who have left lasting legacies to the endowment fund and their loved ones. Gifts may be made in cash, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, insurance policies, annuities, or other tangible assets. These gifts may also be made through living trusts, charitable gift annuities, or bequeathed in your will and estate planning documents. Gifts are made out to the Endowment Fund of Community Congregational Church. Contact the church office if you have any questions on how to participate in the endowment fund. You may also contact an Endowment Board member who will help you. These members are Agi Boudewijn, Keith Moored, Warren Peterson, Richard Powers, Rex Sims, Glenn Sparesus, and last but not least, Bill Whitney. God bless! You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:12 7

Drama Ministry Jenna (Jamie Cox) Jack (Dona Riccioli) Mom (Diane Koelsch) A Lesson On Honor Today's culture has done a great job of ruining the concept of honor.

In the Bible, honor is weight. Honor is value. And it's something freely given. The natural outflow of love is honor. Think about that statement again the outflow of love is HONOR!

8 Drama Ministry Jenna (Jamie Cox) Jack (Dona Riccioli) Mom (Diane Koelsch) A Lesson On Honor Today's culture has done a great job of ruining the concept of honor. We have confused it with respect. We think honor is something we can withhold from someone based on their performance. Based on how much we like them. But that's not biblical honor. In the Bible, honor is weight. Honor is value. And it's something freely given. The natural outflow of love is honor. Think about that statement again the outflow of love is HONOR! To honor something or someone is to value it or esteem it. It might have taken Jenna and Jack a little while to understand this, but, once they did the joy and love flowed freely between them. May we always remember the lesson they learned. 8

9 New Members Thirteen new members were welcomed into the church on Sunday, January 18, 2015 Ray & Janet Betka, Barry & Karen Larvin, Jerry & Val Fox, Alex & Anna Herron, Olivia Lynn, Lila Lykins, Norman & Doreen Heyne, Katrina Gregor (introduced at C3). Sam & Carol McKinney will be introduced on February 1,

A LITTLE FUN TO PASS THE TIME.. Directions: The names of 17 books of the Bible, from both the Old and New Testaments, are hidden inside of bigger words, or are spread across more than one word.

10 A LITTLE FUN TO PASS THE TIME.. Directions: The names of 17 books of the Bible, from both the Old and New Testaments, are hidden inside of bigger words, or are spread across more than one word. Sometimes the name is even used as a normal word in the story. Here's an example of a hidden word: The light it used was excessive. (Titus) Now try to find the names of 17 books of the Bible in the fictional story below. A Trip to the Farmer's Market It could have only been a fluke that led us to the market yesterday. We arrived just in time to see our favorite comic. Ahhh! What a treat. We learned that the comic had just signed several new contracts to perform in our area. We also enjoyed the banjo elements of a blue grass band. And, we arrived just in time for a huge rainstorm! Working quickly, my mom chose a lovely melon and some delicious low-sugar jam, estimated to have just 5 calories per serving. (If you want to know the truth, I seriously doubt that claim!) When we asked one vendor why her tomatoes were so large, she explained how she could format the watering system to run only, and always, when needed. What a great way to do the job! With the rain now coming down in sheets, her plants would need no watering today. We noticed a mostly-empty stall where someone could probably make a lot of money. In fact, we started crunching some numbers, wondering if we might be able to sell our garden produce there in the future. After a short while, we took a break under a roof. My elderly mom needed to rest her feet. Then I realized I was exhausted, too. (It's not in the genes, is it?) Meanwhile, my big brother tried to be a hero. Man, someone should tell him to be more careful when he runs into the street to fetch a little kid's soccer ball! He should more accurately judge speeds of oncoming traffic, especially in the rain! As we were leaving, we again discussed the empty market stall and talked about trying to sell our extra beans and corn there. After performing some careful calculations, my big brother said, Nah, umbrellas are the way to go. Lots of people sell vegetables, but no one is selling umbrellas! Today that would have been a great item to sell. (If you can t get all the answers they are listed on the back page have fun!) 10

February 2015 Sermon Series Overall Theme: The strongest muscle in the body is one of our smallest. It s not our arms or legs, but our tongue. There is much power in the tongue.

11 February 2015 Sermon Series Overall Theme: The strongest muscle in the body is one of our smallest. It s not our arms or legs, but our tongue. There is much power in the tongue. It can be used for good or bad. Through this series we will look at the good, the bad, and the ugly way to use our most powerful muscle. The Little Power (February 1 st ) Scripture: James 3: 1-12 Theme/Brief Description: James goes into great detail about the power of the tongue. Though it may be one of our smallest muscles, it has the greatest power. It is a true muscle that can literally bring life or death. The Speech of Curses (February 8 th ) Scripture: Mark 11: 12-14; Theme/Brief Description: More often than we can imagine we speak curses over us. We say things like I can t do this job, I will never pass this class, I will never be healed of this disease, or I can never overcome my addiction (to name a few). The Speech of Blessings (February 15 th ) Scripture: Mark 11: 22-23; Luke 6: Theme/Brief Description: There is indeed power in our words. Power that God has given us. When Jesus says I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea and it will happen, He means it. Let s use our speech to see the impossible happen! Unknown at this time (February 22 nd ) *Standalone Pedro L. Hope in Motion 11

Answers to this month s puzzle on page 10: 1. fluke (Luke) 2. Market = (Mark) 3. comic. Ahhh! (Micah) 4. contracts (Acts) 5. Banjo elements (Joel) 6. Chose a (Hosea) 7. jam, estimated (James) 8.

12 Answers to this month s puzzle on page 10: 1. fluke (Luke) 2. Market = (Mark) 3. comic. Ahhh! (Micah) 4. contracts (Acts) 5. Banjo elements (Joel) 6. Chose a (Hosea) 7. jam, estimated (James) 8. truth (Ruth) 9. format the watering (Matthew) 10. job (Job) 11. a mostly-empty (Amos) 12. numbers (Numbers) 13. rest her (Esther) 14. gene, is (Genesis) 15. hero. Man someone (Romans) 16. judge speeds (Judges) 17. Nah, umbrellas (Nahum) IN GOD WE TRUST Sunday Worship Services & Children s Church Traditional: 9:30 a.m. C3 Modern Worship: 11:15 a.m. Fellowship & refreshments between services Community Congregational Church North Tamiami Trail (US 41) Naples, FL Eric Cox, Lead Pastor Ramon Martinez, Pastoral Assistant/Youth Minister Dr. Charles M. Lewis, Pastor Emeritus Church Office: Semi-Retired Treasures Thrift Store: Newsletter: slkunkle@centurylink.net; eileeni1025@centurylink.net Website: 12 Community Congregational Church s SEMI-RETIRED TREASURES Southland Drive Bonita Springs, FL

You matter. You belong. We are family.

You matter. You belong. We are family. I look around at our church family and I see such friendly faces. I have grown to know and love each and every one of you. Many have noted just how much they enjoy