CCOG Newsletter

Weekly Updates

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Reflections from Pastor Jennifer

Yesterday was Groundhog Day. Since 1887 (the legend/tradition was much earlier) people have gathered in Gobbler's Knob, PA to celebrate the "seer of seers" and "prognosticator of prognosticators", Punxsutawney Phil. It is a fun and silly tradition in which a groundhog comes out of its burrow, and either sees its shadow, runs inside, thus predicting more winter, or doesn't see its shadow, stays out, predicting an early start to spring. For those on the edge of your seat, don't be fooled by the warming temperatures, we are in for six more weeks of winter! Unless you are in elementary school, Groundhog Day probably doesn't even enter your mind.

"Which Groundhog Should You Trust?" This was the headline of one article yesterday! Apparently, all over the country there are various types of weather predicting animals - prairie dogs, squirrels, even a bass fish! It is all in good fun, but how often does this apply to our lives? We will turn to all kinds of people for advice or look for solutions in things that won't satisfy. If we put our trust in things other than God and His Word, it is just as effective as trusting a groundhog for weather updates!

February Focus

In February, we are going to focus on Sharing the Love with one another. Throughout this month, you are encouraged to find ways to demonstrate love to your family, friends, church family, co-workers, and even strangers. One way to show love to the Lord is by spending time in His Word. Here is the link to our new latest devotional: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/20846

OCC

February is dental care month. Because of that, we are bringing plenty of toothbrushes, toothbrush covers, and floss to put into the shoeboxes. Your extra shoeboxes are also a big help, or if you want to donate money instead of shopping yourself, you can add OCC to your envelope.

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4 Mini Dates.pdf

Share the love with your sweetheart! Here are 4 fun new dates to try with your significant other.

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Movie Night

This Saturday, February 8 is the "Pal"entine movie! If weather permits (right now, my phone shows 67/57 for the high/low on Saturday), the movie will be outside under the stars. If the weather changes, we will head into the fellowship hall. Free concessions will begin at 5:30. The movie will begin at 6pm. Bring some friends and a lawn chair as we share the love by watching a movie together.

Baby Bottle Boomerang

Let's show our love to the mothers and babies in Lake Norman. Fill up the baby bottle you received at church, or fill a virtual bottle by scanning the QR code on the picture. The return date is Sunday, February 16 and all proceeds benefit the Lake Norman Community Pregnancy Center.

5 Days to Better Love Your Local Church

The local church is a huge part of God's design for the Christian community, and although He never promised us it would be perfect, He is clear that it's necessary. In this five-day plan, you'll be reminded why you need the church, why the church needs you, and how to best engage the body of believers using His Word as your guide and the sacrifice Jesus made as your motivation.

bible.com

Why do I need the church?

It’s a question that surfaces often, usually in defense of a solo approach to one’s faith. Many times it comes with some incredibly valid points as well. Reasons like, I’ve been hurt by the church, or I can’t find a local church.

But as real as those circumstances may be, we are warned not to forsake the gathering, especially if the reason we’re opting out is driven by a personal preference.

So what’s the answer? Why do we need the church?

In the book of Acts, we see a clear picture of what the church should look like, and it’s beautiful.

The early church families were:

Devoted to the teaching of sound doctrine
Breaking bread together (hanging out)
Praying together
Committed to unity
Taking care of each other
Welcoming new disciples

You need the church because you need people. You were built for community, and if you’re a follower of Christ, the community your heart craves (whether you want to acknowledge it or not) is one that you have these things in common with. The Christian life isn’t easy, so you will need your brothers and sisters in Christ to encourage you, hold you accountable, and sharpen you as you do the work of God.

In a culture that fights hard to get every bit of your attention by indulging you with all of the shiny things and charismatic voices it has to offer, you will have to be intentional about elevating God’s voice above it all, and your local church will be a vital part of that. We aren’t hiding from the culture in our local church. We need to understand that our church will prepare us to deal with culture rightly so that we can be witnesses to the gospel in every circle we’re connected to.

So that we can love and lead people to Jesus and make disciples who make disciples.

Father, thank You for Your church. Thank You for the incredible gift that it is. Please help me to love it the way You do, even when it's hard to love. Place me in the exact place You want me to be and use me in that place however You see fit. I pray for the leadership in my church, that You would give them wisdom to lead us, energy to show up when they’re tired, and joy that overflows so that they can love the body of believers You’ve entrusted to them well. Amen.