Eloise on Worship (Too Funny)

Gift Exchange

Happy Thanksgiving

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving week and weekend everyone! We'll see you Sunday for worship as we celebrate "Christ the King" sunday!

Prayer for the Day: "Your Servant is Listening"

Jesus, thank you for all the ways you have known me, shaped me, and formed me for your purpose. Help me to grow in faithfulness, in clarity of thought and purpose as I learn how to discern your voice calling out to me.

Open my heart to hear you. Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.

I pray for the people of the world who long for Your holy encounter. Show me the way in which I am called as an individual to respond to the many needs of your people.

Open my heart to hear you. Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.

I pray for the nations of the world: for your wisdom to help to solve the problems that are too big and too complex for us, for help in bringing peace where there is no peace, justice where there is no justice, freedom where there is no freedom, and pray that you help us to have a right understanding of what freedom truly is.

Open my heart to hear you. Speak Lord, for your servant is listening. Amen.

Psalm 23 from a Little Princess

You're going to love this...

Be Praying...

...for those affected by the fires in California.

All Church Skating Event

GREAT SKATES ALL-CHURCH EVENT
Sunday, Oct. 14 from 3-5pm

Join in and take a whirl around the skating rink. Can’t skate or has it been years since you’ve tried? Well now is the time to test out your speed and techniques or just come along to watch the festivities. No early sign-up is necessary, just plan to show up the day of the event. $2 roller skate rental, $3.50 inline skate rental, $5 unlimited laser tag. The Recreation Team will cover the $3 admission fee per person. For more info, contact Kenny Bailey at 532-2832 or bailey.kenny@ gmail.com. Guests and friends welcome.

New Singles Ministry

Thurs., Oct. 11 at Christ Church from 6-8:30 PM is the kick off of our new singles ministry - Inspirational Thursdays (IT). IT will be a unique mix of fellowship, fun and purposeful study for adults that are single by choice, loss or divorce. Whether you are young or young at heart, we hope you will join us in this exciting new ministry. We will supply Subway Subs, drinks and place settings. You supply your enthusiasm and a side dish. Contact Molly Brown at 765-491-3811 or Vicki Alsop at 765-449-1095 if you are planning to attend.

Everything Skit

Several people have sent us this link. Watch it and see what you think...

Indescribable...

Thanks to Brenda Melville for the link!

The SOUP Signup has begun!

Information about our fall Wednesday night programming is now available on the web site. Check out the worship and class information for THE SOUP...

HERE!

The Picnic

The Christ Church annual picnic was a big success. To see pictures from this event, click here!

Sign up for the picnic!

Have you signed up for the church picnic yet? We really need to know if you're coming so we can make sure to have enough food. If you're planning on going but haven't signed up on the posterboard at church, please email Amber Simons at asimons@purdue.edu by noon on Friday, August 5th.

Here are more details:

All-Church Picnic
Sun., August 12 | 1:00 pm

Join us for an afternoon of food, fun and fellowship with our church family and friends at Happy Hollow Park. Please plan to bring a dish to share and your extra recreational equipment.

1:00 - Great Food
2:00 - Volleyball & Softball
All Afternoon: Various rec activities

Indians Game

A large group of people from Christ Church attended an Indianapolis Indians game this month. Check out all the pictures here!

LIFE GROUPS!

On Sunday morning, those in attendance were introduced to a new ministry called LIFE GROUPS. Christ Church Life Groups will be the foundation of our Small Group Ministry. In fact, we are hoping that everyone in the church will sign up to be a part of one of these groups. Each Life Group will consist of 7 to 12 persons who will meet regularly for fellowship, sharing, scripture reading, accountability and support. The goal is to find a place for people to become connected to one another and the church and to receive encouragement in their spiritual journey.

For more information or to sign up for a Life Group, please click here to visit the LIFE GROUP page on the church website.

NOMADS Faith Promise

Faith Promises are additional ministries that you can support while you support the general mission of Christ Church. The following video highlights the NOMADS Faith Promise for 2007:

Dinners for Eight

Have you signed up for Dinners For Eight yet?

Dinners for Eight is a gathering of people to fellowship and share food either at each other’s homes, restaurant, park, etc. This small group program has been a tremendous tool to interact get to know your brothers and sisters in Christ and has the bonus of involving food! Click here to check it out and/or to sign up!

Website Changes

There are some new major structural changes on the Christ Church website. There is a new ADULT EDUCATION page as well as a new SMALL GROUPS page. Click on each of the links to check them out!

Everlasting God (Chris Tomlin)

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer

You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary
You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles

MeChurch

We showed this clip on Sunday to help us think about our reason for being part of the church. Additionally, we began a 10-week worship series on WHO WE ARE as Christ Church.

New Sunday School Study

Today you can see God in action, you can hear God speaking to you, and you can connect with God heart-to-heart. Join the Survey of the Bible Sunday School Class starting Sunday the 17th as they begin a 6-week study using John Ortberg's DVD "God is Closer Than you Think.” The class meets in Room 5 each Sunday from 9:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

United Methodist News

From Sunday's Journal and Courier:

United Methodists in Indiana are one step closer to joining together. Currently there are two conferences in the state, the Northern Indiana Conference and the Southern Indiana Conference.

The North Indiana Conference met at Purdue earlier this month to vote whether to re-organize.
Friday, the South conference voted at Indiana University. The majority approved the recommendation.

United Methodist Bishop Michael Coyner will appoint a team to plan how to merge. Unity discussions have stretched over the past decade.

If the implementation plan is approved next year, the North Central Jurisdictional Conference of the UMC also would need to approve the uniting of the two conferences. With full approval, the earliest the new conference could meet would be 2009.

This Sunday's Scripture

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:18-20

What does this mean for you in your life?

Church Bloopers

Lest we take ourselves to seriously...

Help for VBS

JUST A REMINDER... Anyone who took a donation card for Vacation Bible School, please have your items turned in by this Sunday, June 10th.

Also, we are in need of 200 empty 20 oz. Gatorade/Powerade plastic bottles (or any plastic bottles with a wider opening at the top). If you could please save those and bring them in ASAP we would greatly appreciate it!

Thanks for your help and for supporting VBS!

Hands and Feet

Sermon Notes from Sunday, June 3rd

When are we too heavenly-minded to be any earthly good?

1.) When our theology is used to separate us into groups - instead of erase the lines that divide us.

2.) When the idea of Jesus overshadows the life of Jesus.

3.) When fear is used to initiate and build faith.

So, how do we live faithfully to be God's hands and feet in this world?

Annual Conference

This week and weekend is the United Methodist Church's ANNUAL CONFERENCE at Purdue University. Churches from all over the North Indiana Conference convene there for United Methodist business, planning and celebration. Please be praying for their time!

A Little Life, A Tiny Death

“Our Father, each day is a little life, each night a tiny death; help us to live with faith and hope and love. Lift our duty above drudgery; let not our strength fail, or the vision fade in the heat and burden of the day. O God, make us patient and pitiful one with another in the fret and jar of life, remembering that each fights a hard fight and walks a lonely way. Forgive us Lord, if we hurt our fellow souls; teach us a gentler tone, a sweeter charity of words, and a more healing touch. Sustain us, O God, when we must face sorrow; give us courage for the day and hope for the morrow. Day unto day may we lay hold of Thy hand and look up into Thy face, whatever befall, until our work is finished and the day is done. Amen.”

-St. Francis of Assisi, 1181-1226

God is LOVE

He came singing Love;
He lived singing Love;

He died singing Love;
He rose in silence.

If the song is to continue
We must do the singing.

FAQ

If God is love, why do you think so much of religion is fear-based?

(Leave us a comment)

O Praise Him

David Crowder Band - "O Praise Him" - at Harvest 2006

Grace

Here is the quote used in Sunday's worship service about Forgiveness:

"Repentance is not what we do in order to earn forgiveness; it is what we do because we have been forgiven. It serves as an expression of gratitude rather than an effort to earn forgiveness. Thus the sequence of forgiveness and then repentance is crucial for understanding grace." (Brennan Manning)

Response: What do you make of this quote? Have you found this to be true in your life? (Leave a comment!)

Psalm 51

This week's worship theme is about Forgiveness - God's forgiveness of us. Watch this short video meditation on Psalm 51, the scripture that we will be using this Sunday:

New Equipment

Sunday you'll get the chance to enjoy some fantastic new equipment in the sanctuary. For the last year or so, our video projection system has continued to worsen in quality. With the help of the Trustees, the new system (projectors and wall-mounted screens) is being installed this week. You'll be able to better see and enjoy videos and slides on the wall. If you know a Trustee, be sure to say "Thank you!"

Last week's bowling event...

A word from Recreation Ministry Member, Kenny Bailey:

Each bowling event gets better & better. This time was the most organized. We had over 40 people on 10 lanes. Everyone was very thankful for the church having sponsored these events.

We will probably do bowling every few months, as it is easy to plan/organize/coordinate -- and the prices are pretty reasonable. Based on the current recreation schedule, it will likely be late Sept or Oct.

When Bad Things Happen

Sunday's focus is "Why do bad things happen?" One of our members sent us this video, and though we don't have time to show it in our service, it certainly resonates with this theme. Click PLAY below to watch "Forever Changed (a VT Tribute)."

New Email Newsletter

This week we begin a new E-Newsletter format. Watch your inbox this Thursday/Friday!

Also, if you have not signed up to receive our email newsletters, click here to do so.

SEED SONG

Here was the poem that was shared at this week's SOUP worship:

SEED SONG by Joyce Rupp

I am the seed so small, so dry, lifted in the hand of the silent Sower.

Into the earth I fearfully fall, darkness covers me, silence surrounds me.

The terror of my heart is the only sound to keep me company.

All that is me huddles together trying desperately not to surrender any part of self.

Why was I planted? I dry out. Why am I here? I entreat. Take me out into the light: I cannot bear this deathly dark.

I weary, I weakened, the days become long. I can no longer fight.

I surrender in this lonely place of waiting.

Quietly I sense a penetrating warmth; it surrounds me; it fills me and blesses my pain.

I n a moment of peacefulness I forget my fear.

I let go of my self and suddenly the husk that holds me weakens and breaks.

No, I scream. I am losing my self, but it is too late. The husk is cracked; I cannot be contained.

It is then that I sense a power deep inside of me, encouraging me: let go. Let go. Let go.

It is an energy that pushes the husk until it falls away.

As it slips aside my eyes behold color. Ah! Can it be? A tiny glimpse of green!

How could that be? I marvel, there was never green in the heart of me.

Yet, it is there; each day, it slowly stretches upwards to where the warm seems to be.

I become less of a seed. I am losing my self, but the pain I once knew is lost in surprise; something wonderful is greening and growing deep within my heart.

Days go quickly no. I become one with the small stem of life.

Oh! The glorious moment when, ah, breath of Spring fast fills my face. I move through the hard earth and taste the world which awaits my arrival.

From within my tender shoot comes a soft sound. I listen, I hear. It is a song to the Sower.

Sower of seeds, did you always see this gift of green that was hiding in me?

Sower of seeds, how came you to prize the beauty within that I hid from my eyes?

Sower of seeds, the husk has been broken; all praise to you for helping me open.

Accept now my praise, my thankfulness, too, for the seed you have sown and gift that you grew.

May you lead me to others who await your good word, so the seeds within them can awake and be heard.

A Lenten Meditation

Here we are in Holy Week. And here is a visual Lenten Meditation:

Pictures

Do you have any pictures from any church functions? We are hoping to continue to grow our online archive of pictures and keep things fresh and up to date (our current pics are getting rather stale). If you have any pictures, please email them or get a CD to Trevor - trevor@christumchurch.org.

See the picture archive now by clicking here!

Website Changes

Have you noticed all the changes on the church website? There's an updated "Get Connected" page, an updated "Resource" page and lots of updates. Click around and see what's new! There are other big changes/updates coming later this week including an expanded Children's Ministry section and more!!!!

Daylight Savings!

Don't forget to move clocks an hour ahead tonight (daylight-saving time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday morning) so you won't show up to worship an hour late!

See you in the morning for a powerful worship service about our God of many "chances."

Calling Heaven

Last weekend, several of the church staff visited Frazer UMC in Montgomery, AL. The church has done a fantastic job making their own in-house videos over the years and we just thought we'd share this one with you... it was a kick-off to a sermon entitled: "Ever feel like no one's listening?"

Tomorrow Night's SOUP

In place of the regular worship service (6:15-6:45) tomorrow night at our Wednesday Night Programming called THE SOUP there will be a demonstration by ICAAN (Indiana Canine and Assistant and Adolescent Network). Some and see how dogs are trained to help assist those in need. The presentation may run a little longer than our half-hour worship services, but definitely will be done before classes at 7:00. For more information about ICAAN, visit their website at http://www.icaan.net/.

On a Trip

Several of Christ Church Staff and Volunteers will be traveling to Montgomery, Alabama to visit FRAZER United Methodist Church for a Conference. Please be praying for Traveling Mercies and a good learning experience for all involved!

Lent Begins at THE SOUP

At The Soup program this week (Wednesday Night), we will have our Ash Wednesday service. Ash Wednesday the beginning of the Lenten season - the 6 weeks leading up to Easter. Visit the Soup page for information about times and we hope to see you there!

Cancellation

This Wednesday Night's "THE SOUP" Program (Feb. 14) has been cancelled due to the weather.

Prayer Chain Ministry

We are trying to expand our praying to reach more people. There are two ways you can help: (1) Be on a prayer chain, pray one day a week and pass it on (by phone) -OR- (2) Be on an email list and pray for everyone on the list. To sign up or for more information, CLICK HERE.

Big Date Change

Due to a funeral viewing on Wednesday, February 7th, the first evening of the Soup will be pushed back a week... making the launch night Wednesday, February 14th. Please be aware of the change and please help us pass the word along...

Treasures

Here is this week's scripture. Any thoughts on it?

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Bowling Outing

"Wow -- we had a GREAT turnout. Over 2x as many as last year!! People were showing up 15 minutes early & by 1:15 all our lanes were full! Everyone who wanted to bowl got to, which is good news. Definitely getting more lanes next time." (from Kenny Bailey, Rec Team)

The Bowling Event was a great success... if anyone took pictures, please let us know! Stay tuned for another bowling day coming soon!

Bowling Event this weekend!

Strrrike!! Who's up for some bowling?

The Recreation Team is inviting everyone to this ALL CHURCH event. Guests welcome! It will be held at Arrowhead Bowl (2331 Brothers Dr., Lafayette) THIS SUNDAY, Jan. 28th from 1-4 pm.

Cost is $1.90/game,
$1.75 for shoes
and $2 for unlimited soft drinks!

Questions? Email Kenny Bailey at kennybailey@purdue.edu.

Bus Ministry!

We are in need of drivers and helpers for our Bus Ministry - which will pick people up for Sunday mornings as well as other times as needed. Anyone with a drivers license can drive our new bus. If we don't get drivers, there will be no ministry. There will be a short meeting for information and training in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, January 28th between 1st and 2nd services (approximately 9:15 am). For all questions, contact Laura Ehlers at 474-3302.

Many Thanks!

Many thanks to former Christ Church pastor, Craig LaSuer, for preaching this past Sunday. Craig brought an important message about how followers of Jesus are called to go out into the community and world to bring light and love. As usual, you can listen to this message from the audio page of the church website. Thanks, Craig!

Thanks!

A special thanks to guest preacher Billy Bross who brought us a message on Sunday about being united for the common good. A powerful message, especially on the weekend of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Traveling Mercies

Pastor Jim and Sherry are currently on vacation visiting their children in the Dakotas. Please be praying for their safe travels and for a restful and enjoyable time away!

In the meantime, we will have visiting pastors on Sunday, January 11th and 18th. Come and check out their fresh perspectives!