Importance of Words

What did you say!? I don’t think it is possible to overemphasize the importance of our words. We can direct the course of one’s life by the words we speak to them. Positive, affirming words will strengthen and give life while negative, demeaning words will lead to death. This Sunday we will focus on the opportunity before us to grow in the way we use words. We can all improve in the way we build others up while we turn away from tearing them down.

Some more exciting news!! We are beginning a partnership with New Hope Church in Galt. You can access their website at www.newhopegalt.org. At one time this was a thriving church with over 300 in attendance. Over the past few years they have faced challenges that led to a significant decline. With a new pastor in place, we have been led to assist them in revitalizing this important outreach. Dave and Brooke Ross have a vision to reach Galt with the message of God’s love and have opened their hearts to us to help. This Sunday I will be speaking to their congregation about the possibilities that are before us and on August 16 the New Hope members will join us at CCC as we highlight this new partnership. Preparations are in a place for a Grand Re-Opening of New Hope on Sunday, September 13. It will be a new day for Galt and the things God wants to do to reach people with His love. (This is the first step toward one of the things God has laid on my heart to reach our world in the days ahead. There are many churches that could be revitalized with the help of healthy churches. We are looking forward to more partnerships of this kind in the coming months and years).

1 Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

Pastor Rick

Helping the Poor

What does God's Word say about our responsibility to help the poor? We are going to explore this important question on Sunday and seek His wisdom for how we should respond. I am looking forward to an exciting time with you in our celebration of worship.

The July family movie night at the ballpark is coming up next Friday. Take advantage of this great setting to invite some friends to join you. It is a free event with the snack bar open to purchase food at very reasonable rates.

Matthew 25:40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' "

Together . . . Continuing the Dream,

Pastor Rick

Grateful

I've had a good week of rest this week after a couple days in the hospital last week. It's very difficult to rest in the hospital. Seems like every couple hours they wake you up to take your vitals, take your blood, give you pills to take, or just say hi. I was in for another ablation procedure to eliminate irregular heart rhythms. The doctor is committed to getting me back to full activity without limitation. I am feeling good and very excited about meeting with you again this Sunday. Our celebration of worship will include communion and we will focus our attention on the wisdom of God from the Proverbs.

I am grateful for your love and prayers and blessed by the way God connects us to each other. You are important to Him and you are important to me. We really do need each other in the journey of life. Our sorrows are comforted and our victories are celebrated when we share them with each other.

Proverbs 13:20 "He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm."

Together . . . Continuing the Dream,

Pastor Rick

Expecting Incredible Things

I have just completed two great days of planning with our team and we are expecting incredible things from God in the weeks ahead. The anticipating begins with this Sunday's focus on the joys of giving the best we have to make the lives of those around us better. The focus from God’s Word has the potential to change our lives if we will receive it with open hearts and put it to work in our lives. Invite a friend to join you for this week’s celebration of worship and take another step forward in your spiritual journey.

Proverbs 11:25 "A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed."

Life giving moments await us in God's presence!!

Together . . . Continuing the Dream,

Pastor Rick

Rewards of Work

Cathy and I went to a Dodger game while on vacation in L.A. this week. Nate and Lisa went with us and about half-way through the game a foul ball came right at us down the right field foul line. Nate was sitting on the end of the row and he caught the ball and then went running up the aisle with his hands in the air celebrating. I looked up at the jumbo screen and there he was big as life as the camera followed him. When Nate got back to his seat, he tossed the ball to a 10 year old boy with a Dodgers jersey on sitting in front of us. That brought another cheer from the crowd and great joy to my heart. It is so good to be thinking about the joy of others. Way to go Nate!

Sunday will be an awesome day at CCC! We will celebrate our nation’s freedom and find wisdom from Proverbs 10:4-5 regarding the rewards of our work. Come with an open heart and receive a fresh experience in God’s presence. He is doing great things as we focus our attention on His amazing love and grace.

Proverbs 10:4 "Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth."

Together . . . Continuing the Dream,

Pastor Rick