Blog
Children: January Through March
[Leadership Blog]
03/28/2012 11:41 am
By Graves, Chip
Wow! The Children Have Been Busy! Starting in January we began focusing on areas outside of themselves. They came up with four areas they wanted to help serve our community. They decided to help the church, the homeless, the animal shelter and the elderly. Our first group to work with was the church, we spent a Sunday night helping work with the pre-school class. The children led them in games, helped serve snacks and then read to the children. It was a really good time. Next the children helped raise items to donate to the homeless shelter. Many items were collected and delivered to much appreciate from the Homeless Coalition. We then raised money for the animal shelter. We were able to buy the animals over $200 worth of food and make a monetary donation as well. Lastly we made cards and bought a rose to give to some of our shut-ins at the area hospital and nursing homes. I am very proud of our children reaching out to others. I look forward to their ideas on who they would like to serve next. We have also been blessed by some guest speakers: Tom and Megan Swart came and shared about a mission trip to Bolivia, Wes Curtis shared about serving God in school, and Juggles the Clown came to share about the ministry of making people smile. God calls us to use our gifts and talents to share love to others. Make a point to use your gifts today, it could be just what God needs to reach someone today!
Journey Group News
[Leadership Blog]
11/02/2011 12:09 pm
By Travis, Trent
We are winding down the fall session of our Journey Groups and from all that I have heard the groups have had a wonderful session. Big time ministry ideas are taking shape and we are excited to see how God uses us to impact our community. Don't forget that Journey Groups DO NOT end here. It is just a short time until the holidays are over and then we will be excited to start off the new year with a great Journey Group kick off. There are just two weeks remaining in this session so let finish strong and encourage toward our next session.
If you have had a great Journey Group session this fall then I would LOVE to hear from you!!! E-mail me at trent.travis@wfcog.com and let me know how you were impacted by the relationships formed in your group. I would also love to hear new ideas and recomemdations to make our Journey Groups better. We are always interested in offering God our best because He deserves it. You are always welcome to e-mail me and let me know exciting ideas that you have.
Raechel and I are praying for each group and can't wait to see where the Lord is leading us all!!!
God Bless
Trent
Journey Group News
[Leadership Blog]
10/18/2011 12:51 pm
By Travis, Trent
This group will be lending a hand meeting some supply needs of the community service center.
Group facilitators: Kara Carter and Tina Hisle:
This group will be leading a ministry that will take meals to those that are in need of help following illnesses, surgeries, baby births and ect.
Group facilitators: Annette Curtis and Kim Humphreys
This group will be working with families in need during the holidays.
Group facilitators: Bob and Janet Haney
This group is excited about their “Bridges” visitation ministry where they will be visiting shut-in, elderly, sick and those new to the church.
Group facilitators: Chris Hunt and Ed Buckner
These guys are “The Handymen” that can help those in need of general labor but are physically unable to provide it.
Group facilitators: Kenny and Jenifer Keeton
This group is working closely with a Clark Co. public school’s family resource office in order to meet specific needs of one or more families within our school system.
Group facilitators: Bryan and Kelli Stevenson
This group will be making organized attempts to mentor young families that they have contact with during their day to day lives.
Group facilitators: Joe and Mary Tabor
This group will be joining with the New Beginnings pregnancy help center to provide a fathers mentoring class with the Men of Courage study series from the movie Courageous.
Group facilitators: Helen Washing, Marjorie Palmer, and Betty Brooks
These ladies will be ministering to the teachers and staff of Clark County Christian School, hosting CCCS staff appreciation events the last Friday of every month.
Group facilitators: Tony and Paula Young
This group has come up with the unique idea of “Gideon’s Fleece” a ministry providing fleece blankets and throws to elderly and newborns and by doing so, giving themselves an opportunity to share with those that receive them.
Journey Group News
[Leadership Blog]
10/12/2011 12:50 pm
By Travis, Trent
Clark County Christian School News
[Leadership Blog]
09/14/2011 12:29 pm
By Admin, Admin
Clark County Christian School Report
Last school year was a pivotal year on many different levels. First it was a year of vision as we had a Visioning Weekend with VP Palmer and the leadership, parents and staff of the school and church. From that we have strengthened the drive, determination, and direction that the school is going in. We also grew dramatically in the spiritual formation of our students, infusing their education with the Spirit even more than before. We started off each day with prayer in the gym with the students and parents. We continue to have devotions on a daily basis as a staff. We also increased the amount of community service projects that we did as a school, truly focusing on instilling Christian character in our students through action and not just teaching. Some of the projects we have done in the past year include, bringing in change for New Beginnings, donating almost $500, bringing Community Service almost $200, and donating over $1000 to St. Jude’s Hospital. Our students also participated in giving to an Angel Tree family, visiting the Transitional Care Unit at Clark County Regional Hospital, fixing them treats during Christmas. Over the summer we passed out cold water to people coming into to Wal-mart with the students, just for the children to participate in a random act of kindness towards the community.
Our staff and student body has strengthened this year as well. We have brought in four new teachers for the 2011-2012 school year, three of which have over 10 years experience. We currently have 88 students and that is a 30% increase from what we had last spring. God is good, and He is present in every aspect of every day at CCCS.
Love In Christ,
Kristy Marcum
Music Ministry Annual Report
[Leadership Blog]
09/14/2011 8:10 am
By Admin, Admin
Music Annual Report 2010-2011
This first year of service as co-leaders in music ministry has been one filled with many wonderful moments as well as learning experiences. Our main goals were to increase and improve our choir and band as well as expand the opportunity for drama and other creative arts as a part of worship. However, nothing could be accomplished without the intervention and leadership of the Holy Spirit. Thus, we have spent time in prayer to discern the direction we should take. Furthermore, we better equipped ourselves by attending a four-day conference for music ministry, engaging in classes and workshops as well as listening to insightful speakers and wonderful choirs.
The Adult Choir has resumed practicing after enjoying a well-deserved summer break. We are currently rehearsing several new songs and will soon be starting on our Christmas presentation entitled Hope is Born – Emmanuel. God has blessed us with new members but we are continuing to pray for others to join. It is our desire as a choir to uplift and glorify the name of Christ through our worship and singing.
The Praise Band has been reformed and our practice times together are anything but boring! We have formed a special bond, continually seeking God’s blessing in all that we do, but there is always room for new members. If you have experience playing an instrument, please come and speak with us about the possibility of participating. We have dream of having a full orchestra/band so all instruments are welcome.
On the technology side of ministry, a new sound board was purchased to better accommodate and equip our worship services and we have plans to upgrade our music and presentation software to further enhance our worship services.
Drama played an important role in the Easter and Christmas choir presentations and the youth presented a tableau portraying scripture. There was even a live painting of Christ as part of a worship service. We hope to include even more opportunities for all the creative arts in worship in the year to come.
Thank you to all the members of the sound and tech teams, band members, choir members, drama teams, and all who sing specials for helping us turn our hearts to God in worship. We are forever grateful for the encouragement and support of Pastor Brown, members of the ministry team and you, the congregation. Continue to lift us up in your prayers as we seek the Lord’s will.
Blessings & Peace,
Amy L. Berryman & Kim Bradshaw
Children's Ministry
[Leadership Blog]
09/13/2011 1:59 pm
By Admin, Admin
When Andrea and I began this journey leading the Children’s Ministry last year, we had a goal to present the gospel of Jesus Christ in everything that we did. We hoped the children had a good time, but wanted them to grow in their worship experience and with ministry to others outside the walls of the church itself. We are grateful for the time we have already had with them and look forward to the time ahead. God’s greatest gift is the gift of His Son for salvation, but a great gift God gives to help us reach the knowledge of that gift is “Time.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 is our memory verse for September. It tells us that: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” We are thankful for the time we have planned for this year and hope to spend that time wisely. Please be in prayer for the children.
We often ask the question, “What time is it?” Well for us as Christians, this is the Time to reach out to a lost and dying world. We have all the right answers but don’t always present the truth like we should. The past few weeks in the Children’s Worship services, we have been looking at different ways to “Remember” what God has done for us. We had some of our children get their hands real dirty by sticking their hands in mud. The children in the service were disgusted with the muddy hands. Some kids said, “That is so gross,” “This is making me sick!” I couldn’t have said it better myself. Sin is gross and should make us sick. So God gives us a sign to remember what He has cleansed us from with the symbol of baptism. We may go down dirty, but we come up clean. Christ in us the Hope of Glory. We also had the children look at what the Holy Spirit is in us. We looked at regular water and Sprite in two glasses. The Sprite was bubbling and made a sound when you opened it. The water was clear and made no sound. The Holy Spirit makes us different. We may look like the world in our outward appearance but, we have something different, a sparkle and when we “open up,” we can act differently than the world so His Spirit can be seen in us.
We hope you check with your children to see what they are learning.
God Bless,
Chip and Andrea
Pastor's Annual Report
[Leadership Blog]
09/13/2011 9:55 am
By Admin, Admin
Greetings Church Family:
‘Beyond Walls!’ I asked the ministry team to help me put together a list of ministry efforts that this church had been involved in beyond the walls of the church at 2500 Colby Rd. What I found out is there is a lot of ministries in this local church that have done so much ministry beyond our walls it is too numerous to mention the different groups and all the activities they have done in the name of Christ.
To God be the Glory! I wish I could think of adequate words to express sufficient appreciation for your service to this community, but I cannot. Therefore let me just say thank you! I know as you have done it to the least of them you did it to Christ, and His blessings of approval are both apparent and obvious by the addition of new disciples.
As ministries focus working beyond the walls, the work necessitates that resources go beyond the walls as well. Because more of our money has been given to the needs of our community God blessed us last year by exceeding our budget 3.1%. This increase over the purpose budget says nothing about the income from the Johnson estate. In a year that our economy is struggling, people are losing jobs, and is money tight, yet we are able to exceed our giving by 3.1% is absolutely God blessing us. You are a very generous family, but God has blessed us because more of our dollars have gone beyond the walls, and God is bringing more dollars within the walls.
Speaking of Christ and beyond the walls! The primary times that Jesus was ever at a place of worship was the Sabbath, the Bible reminds us that it was Jesus’ custom to go to the temple on Saturday for worship. While one could argue the multiple uses of the Sabbath in the Bible; I think it is safe to say that 95% of Jesus ministry time was spent away from the church, beyond the walls. I also think for us in the past 95% of our ministry time is spent at the church, inside the walls. However thankfully that is currently changing!
It is apparent that many Christians today are buying into Jesus’ approach for ministry geography, the explanation is obvious. To impact the culture we must go beyond the walls and engage it with the Gospel. We have seen the results of the church staying behind the walls and we have seen the culture aggressively engage civilization, and we certainly don’t like the results. That was the problem over 2,000 years ago, the earthly institution that represented God (Jewish religion) had withdrawn from culture and civilization deteriorated. If the righteousness of the church don’t engage the culture, then the unrighteousness of the culture will engage the church.
As we plan, prepare, and pray for the next year we cannot neglect serving within these walls, but we must not neglect going beyond the walls. Because I’m so, so convinced that what we do beyond the walls reflects what God does within these walls.
Blessings;
Pastor Brown
Amy's Worship Info
[Leadership Blog]
06/01/2011 10:30 am
By Admin, Admin
Since taking the position as worship leader, I have been overwhelmed by the kindness and gratitude shown to me by my church family. The Lord has blessed our times of corporate worship and I am grateful for his mercy. The Lord has also blessed our church with musicians, vocalists and sound/computer technicians who give freely of their time and talents. Each of them has blessed my life through their giving and I count it a privilege to serve along side of them.
In looking towards the near future, we are developing plans for gospel music concerts and increasing the use of drama in our services. Please join me in prayer as we will follow the Lord’s leading and seek His face in worship.
Peace & Blessings,
Amy
Greeting from the Pastor
[Leadership Blog]
06/01/2011 10:28 am
By Admin, Admin
Greetings Church Family:
Having just finished “Focus 40” I want to thank all of you who participated in this national, even global, event with the Church of God! We averaged 5 people per day fasting and praying, and we covered all 40 days, so again thanks.
Remember what Jesus said in Matthew: 6, about fasting, praying and giving! What we do in secret God will reward us openly. I think for the past several weeks we are beginning to see in our Sunday worship the open rewards of Almighty God. God rewarding this church is by no means limited to just what is happening in AM worship. Neither do I think it is only because we have been fasting and praying. I think a number of us are realizing how indifferent our love relationship with Jesus Christ has been, and many are falling in love with Him afresh and anew. God has always loved us, but I’m not sure that He has always appreciated the arrangements of our relationship with Him.
Pastor Brown
Children's Pastor News
[Leadership Blog]
04/10/2011 5:42 pm
By Admin, Admin
As we look back at where we have been and look forward to where we are going, I can’t help but see things from a father’s perspective. I get very pleased when our children are well behaved and responsive during our class time and services. I also get very concerned when the children aren’t as well behaved and don’t respond to what is being taught. I am sure the Heavenly Father feels the same way and I am encouraged that He is able to see all his work to completion. I just ask for everyone to take time to pray for our children and all those that work with them from our infants to the oldest!
Remember:
Bible Story -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13
1 Samuel 16:7b – “For the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
We have had some exciting times already this year and we are looking forward to many more. The Children did such a great job in February with their cards and visits to some of our shut-ins for Valentine’s Day. We are planning to do an Easter Celebration visit Palm Sunday during the evening service time. We received a great response from those we visited and I think we obtained as great a blessing from visiting them.
Praying God’s Blessings for you,
Chip and Andrea
Words from Kim (Choir Director)
[Leadership Blog]
04/10/2011 5:41 pm
By Admin, Admin
Many of you have probably heard or read this story before but it reminded me of the greatest debt ever paid. The story is about a young man who was getting ready to graduate from college. He was from a wealthy family and had hinted several times to his father of his love for a beautiful sports car. On the morning of his graduation his father handed him a beautifully wrapped gift. The young man hurriedly opened the box only to find a Bible with his name embossed in gold. Outraged, he stormed out of the house and never returned.
Years past and the young man had become a successful businessman himself and had a wonderful family and home. He began to think about his father and the way things had ended between them. Before he could go to his father, he received word that his father had passed away. Sadness and regret filled his heart.
He returned to his father’s house and began to go through his father’s things. He came upon the box with the Bible still inside. With tears in his eyes he opened the Bible and began to read a passage his father had underlined for him. “As bad as you are, you know how to give good things to your children. How much more then, will your Father in Heaven give good things to those who ask him.” As he read those words, a car key fell from inside the Bible. It was a key to the sports car he had wanted. Attached was a tag with the date of his graduation and the words “Paid in Full”.
As we celebrate this Easter season, may we all be reminded that Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price when he died for each one of us!
In His Service,
Kim
CCCS News
[Leadership Blog]
03/28/2011 8:29 am
By Admin, Admin
What an exciting and busy month it has been! Earlier in the month we had a visioning weekend with VP Palmer. What an amazing spiritual journey that was. God’s Spirit is moving through the school each and every day. My prayer through this weekend was to step aside and listen to His will. VP did a wonderful job working us through the process. Many of our school and church leadership believe how CCCS is one the premiere outreach ministries of our church. We are excited to look to the future of the school, visioning the future, focusing on reconciliation and unity. One of the best things I personally heard was from our parents. When asked the strengths of the school, the first unanimous response was our teachers; their commitment, passion and dedication for their students. Tying for second largest strength was spiritual formation and academic excellence. That was very rewarding to hear.
We also hosted the ACSI Regional Science Fair. This was the only one hosted in the state of Kentucky. We had around 120 students participate, with 30 judges, plus chaperons and volunteers. We were told afterwards by many that it was a “fun” and “smooth” experience that they enjoyed. I received an email that had been forwarded from the ACSI office the same day, saying we handled it beautifully and that our facilities were terrific!
Continue to pray earnestly for our ministry! Thank you, Church Family, for all that you do.
In Him,
Kristy
Focus on 40 days of Prayer and Fasting
[Leadership Blog]
03/09/2011 12:47 pm
By Admin, Admin
Greetings Church Family:
Calling the Church to
Focus on 40 days of Prayer and Fasting
March 16–April 24
The First Church of God across America and around the world is being called by our national and international leaders to unite in a time of prayer and fasting during the 40 days leading up to Easter (Wednesday, March 16–Saturday, April 24). Focus 40 is a call for the church to join together for a period of worship and obedience.
We are wondering what will happen as the church comes together during these forty days, in prayer and fasting—praying for God’s outpouring of anointing, blessing, and life-transforming power upon His creation.
We believe God will show up in our midst in ways yet not experienced by us? We believe lasting, positive change will happen in our lives, families, churches, and communities? This could be another step in the direction of changing the face of not only our local community, but country as well? This will be an effort on all our part, but it is got to be worth it. Remember, ’the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change.’
I am excited about joining with thousands of our brothers and sisters across this country and around the world in a time of intense seeking God. I am planning to preach a 3 sermon series on prayer and fasting starting Sunday morning February 27 – March 13, leading up to the time we start fasting on Wednesday March 16th.
Expecting from God;
Pastor Brown
Leadership Blog
[Leadership Blog]
03/05/2011 3:26 pm
By Admin, Admin
Welcome to our newly designed website. Please check back often for new updates and information.
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