Christ Community Church Presbyterian Church of America

MARCH, 2017

March 23, 2017

STAY IN TOUCH Paul Sanders, Sr. Pastor 431-6688 Roger Sowder, Assoc. Pastor 238-9340 Jim Perry, Youth Director 449-5609 700 Harrison Bridge Road Simpsonville, SC 29680 864-967-2815 www.christcommunitychurchonline.org

Jason Cornwell, Interim Worship Assistant 363-4201

FOR YOUR INFORMATION . . . Hey Church, If Jesus were to pray for us, what do you think He would pray? Be encouraged, He did (and does) pray for us. This week we study John 17 which is often called the Holy of Hollies of Sacred Scripture. It is one of the most treasured chapters in the Bible because in it, Jesus bares His heart to the Father before He steps out into the night to proceed to the cross. Philip Melancthon, one of the towering intellects of the early Reformation said, "There is no voice which has ever been heard, either in Heaven or in earth, more exalted, more holy, more fruitful, more sublime, than the prayer offered up by the Son of God Himself." This chapter of the Bible was read everyday to John Knox, the Scottish reformer, during his final illness. In vs. 1-5, Jesus prays for Himself and His own glorification. In verses 6-19, Jesus prays for His apostles, and in verse 20-25, He prays for the church in the world which includes us! We could likely take this chapter in 4-5 sermons, but for now, we will deal with it just once. I look forward to considering this rich prayer of our Lord with you all Sunday! Grace and Peace, Pastor Paul

Check out the Resource Materials in the ADS hallway near the Youth Room. Good reading! There are copies of the current UPdate and additional resources available in the Atrium.

WORSHIP SERVICE TIMES Sundays at 8:30 AM & 11:00 AM Sunday School for ALL ages is offered between services at 10:00 AM Fellowship/Refreshment Time 9:30 AM

USHERS for March 26th:

OPPORTUNITIES TO MINISTER

8:30 AM Service John Shaw & Larry Smith 11:00 AM Service Art Dechane & Bill Turek

NURSERY & CHILDREN MINISTRY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IN NURSERY MINISTRY

CLOSING OF THE CHURCH for March 26th: Cal Gilvin

HELP NEEDED! NURSERY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

SCHEDULE FOR COUNTERS

As our Nursery is growing rapidly, we need more Nursery Volunteers to help out during our 11:00 Worship hour. Your help would be greatly appreciated.

March 26 April 2 April 9 April 16

If you have an interest in serving, please let Pastors Roger know as soon as possible.

Drew Wallace Roy Liddell Jim Streit Larry Taylor

Thank you! CHILD CARE for March 26th: NURSERY: 8:30 AM Service: Jeanne Sowder & Nikia Stevens 9:30 AM ADS: Bryan & Rachel Beeson 11:00 AM Service: Larry & Linda Taylor and Jim Kirtz

MERCY MINISTRY GIVING . . . Our One Fund budgets for mercy ministry. You do not need to ‘ear mark’ mercy funding gifts any longer. Any who typically gave above and beyond to the fund are asked to simply add that amount to their regular giving.

CHILDREN'S CHURCH IN ROOM 1 During the 11:00 AM Worship Service

We will make appeals for designated giving only when specific needs arise that are beyond our budget.

Pastor Roger Sowder, Coordinator

MANAGE YOUR GIVING We want to remind you that we offer electronic giving as a convenient way to automate your weekly giving. Electronic giving offers convenience for individual’s and provides much-needed consistency for our church’s budget. Go to www.christcommunitychurchonline.org to set up an automatic donation plan, to change your donation plan, or to make a one-time special gift. You can also view your online giving history.

HAPPENINGS . . . IN AND AROUND OUR CHURCH FELLOWSHIP & OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES . . .

SALT SHAKERS - HOSTS for MARCH are Jeff & Kelley Light, Rick & Ginger Limoges and Cal & Laura Gilvin Have a FUN evening! NOTE . . . Any questions please message Felicia at: [email protected] or call: 813-335-7320

KNITTERS for KIDS . . . Women interested in making simple sweaters or hats for needy children, meet every Monday @ 9:30 AM at the church. If you don’t knit, but would be interested in learning, or if you crochet - come anyway! See Ruth Hornketh or call 399-9259 for more information.

LADIES . . . It is that time of year again for our ANNUAL SPRING RETREAT. Looking forward to a change - we won’t be going away this year, but will host here at the church on Friday, April 28 with a coffee & dessert, then return on Saturday, April 29, for a very special day. Our guest speaker will be Paula Miles, the Women’s Ministry Coordinator at Clemson Presbyterian.

More details to come!

FELLOWSHIP & OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES . . . ART COME TO LIFE . . . Have you ever seen a work of art that looked so real that the characters almost seem to breathe? In Living Gallery this is no longer just your imagination - the people in the larger-than-life paintings, sculptures and stained glass are real. The unique Living Gallery program combines original drama, special choral and orchestral arrangements, and breathtaking live portrayals of classic works of art to celebrate the story of Christ’s birth or resurrection. A team of talented artists and technicians spend hundreds of hours putting together the sets, costumes, makeup and lighting needed to create larger -than-life artwork depicting the life of Christ. When it all comes together with live models, the effect is breathtaking. Be challenged and inspired by the drama, uplifting music and living masterpieces that make up Living Gallery. Rodeheaver Auditorium - Bob Jones University Friday, April 14, 2017 at 4:30 pm Tickets are $14.00 each and must be paid in advance. Please contact Felicia Liddell at: [email protected] If you have any questions call Felicia at (813)335-7320. THANK YOU FROM THE MCCOYS . . .

BRIDAL SHOWER for CHANCIE LEWIS

Roger and I would like to thank all of you for your prayers, love and support at the home-going of my Uncle James. We surely felt the peace and comfort that only comes from the Lord.

An invitation to all ladies of the church, join in showering our love through gifts and “advice” to Chancie (and Eric) as they prepare for their upcoming marriage.

Thank you, too, for the Gideon Bibles placed in memory of my Uncle. He would have liked that very much.

Sunday, March 26 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the church

We appreciate and love all our church family. Roger & Donna McCoy

They are registered at Bed, Bath & Beyond, Williams & Sonoma and Target.

EASTER STORY COOKIES YOU NEED: 1 cup whole pecans, 1 tsp. vinegar, 3 egg whites, 1 pinch salt, 1 cup sugar, Zipper baggie, wooden spoon, tape and Bible. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested he was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3 Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19: 28-30. Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10: 10-11 Sprinkle a little salt into each child’s hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus” followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23: 27 So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Psalms 34:8 and John 3:16 Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God’s eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3 Fold in the broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was laid. Read Matthew 27: 57-60 Put the cookie sheet in the oven; close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27: 65-66 GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus’ followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 & 22 On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter, Jesus’ followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28: 1-9 HE HAS RISEN!

CHILDREN’S & YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL 10:00 - 10:45 AM Nursery (0 to 3 yrs.) in the Nursery Nursery Workers Toddler (2-3 yrs.) in Room 1 Samantha Amick K4 - K5 in Room 4 Melanie Callahan & Team Lower Elementary (1st-3rd Grade) in Room 3 Susan MacCrossan Upper Elementary (4th-5th Grade) in Room 5/6 Jeanne Sowder

Christian Education

Youth (6th-12th Grade) in Youth Room Jim & Carolyn Perry

ADULT DISCIPLESHIP SEMINARS

COMMUNITY GROUP GATHERINGS

WINTER SESSION

These groups aim to foster deeper relationship within the church, deeper application of Biblical truth, prayer and mission. Each group runs on variant schedules. Call the leader for more details.

SUNDAY Middle School Youth 5:30 PM @ CCC Heritage Park Group 4:30 PM @ 121 Heritage Point Drive, Simpsonville (Children ministry offered) Leader: Paul Sanders: 864-431-6688 OR [email protected] Harrison Bridge Group 6:00 PM @ CCC Library Leader: Steve Britton: 864-277-9248 OR [email protected] Mauldin Group 6:00 PM Leader: Roy Liddell: 813-361-2525 or [email protected] Glen Meadows Groups 5:30 PM @ 609 Whetstone Court, Simpsonville (2nd & 4th Sundays) Leader: Randy Gordon: 864-237-2733 OR [email protected]

TUESDAY “In 7 @ 7” - Intercessory Prayer Group 7:00 PM in Room 7 Neely Farm Group 7:30 PM @ 4 Windchime Court, Simpsonville Leader: Pastor Roger Sowder: 864-238-9340 or [email protected] Sr. High Youth e3 7:30 PM @ CCC/ Leaders: Jim & Carolyn Perry [email protected]

• MIRACLES OF CHRIST - Room 7 Teacher: Steve Britton • RESPECTABLE SINS - Room 8 Teacher: Dale Olsen • WHAT IS REFORMED THEOLOGY? - Room 9 Teachers: John Shaw & Tom Davies • LEADERS LIKE JESUS - Room 10 Teacher: Rev. Paul Sanders • 1 PETER - Sanctuary Teacher: Rick Heiser & Jim Streit • FROM FEAR TO FREEDOM - Room 2 (Childrens’ Wing) Teacher: Rev. Roger Sowder • BACK TO THE FUTURE - Room 6 (Childrens’ Wing) Teacher: Roy Liddell

WEDNESDAY Men’s Bible Study 6:30 AM @ Panera’s on Fairview Road in Simpsonville Leader: Cal Gilvin: 864-901-4744 or [email protected] THURSDAY Willow Creek/Glen Meadows 2 Group 7:00 PM (Bi-Monthly) @ 333 Crepe Myrtle Drive, Greer OR 114 Pinehaven Way, Simpsonville (Alternating Locations) Leader: John Shaw: 864-270-6648 OR [email protected] Men’s Community Group @ CCC - Thursdays @ 9:30 AM - studying the book of James Leader: Bill Turek 864-915-3737 Ladies’ Bible Study @ CCC - Thursdays @ 9:30 AM - Book of John Leader: Kathy Doherty 630-9074

"In 7 @ 7" is going strong but we are few in number. Men, wom-

en, teenagers, retirees, ALL invited to come and join your hearts together in prayer for our body of Christ's Church at CCC. We pray each week for our missionaries, our pastoral staff, church leaders, ministry leaders, our congregation, children, youth, elderly, for God's direction, for the world, our governmental leadership, our protection from sin, from harm, from idolatry, from counterfeit images of God's perfect gifts, from the world, and from Satan. Come and add your prayers - the Lord even hears silent prayers from His saints. Here are two quotes from wellknown theologians for consideration: “The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work and prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but he trembles when we pray.” Samuel Chadwick

At a Glance . . . MARCH (and beyond) We celebrate the Lord’s Supper on the FIRST Sunday of each month. (Our bread is gluten free.) Food offerings of non-perishable items are welcome on the FIRST Sunday of each month and will be distributed to local food agencies who serve those in need. Care for the elderly at Patewood Rehab & Healthcare Center (2 Griffith Rd., Greenville) on the THIRD Sunday of each month at 2:00 PM. SILVER HEARTS - meet (mostly) on SECOND Wednesday of every month SUNDAYS

8:30 AM 9:30 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM 5:30 PM

Worship Service Fellowship/Refreshment Time in Atrium Sunday School for ALL ages Worship Service Middle School Youth @ CCC

MONDAYS

9:30 AM

Knitters for Kids @ CCC

TUESDAYS

7:00 PM 7:30 PM 6:45 AM 7:00 PM 9:30 AM

“In 7 @ 7” - Intercessory Prayer Time in Room 7 e3 - Equip, Encounter, Engage for High School Youth Men’s Bible Study ( Panera Bread) Worship Team Practice Ladies’ Bible Study

WEDNESDAYS THURSDAYS

OUR MISSION STATEMENT "For God's glory, to make and deploy mature and equipped disciples of Jesus Christ." WORSHIP COMMUNITY

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MISSION

MARK THESE ADDITIONAL DATES ON YOUR CALENDARS:

March 26 2:00 to 4:00 PM April 13 7:00 PM April 14 4:30 PM April 28-29

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Bridal Shower for Chancie Lewis at the church Maundy Thursday Service Trip to Living Gallery at BJU - see info on pg. 3 Ladies’ Annual Spring Retreat at the church - see pg. 2

CHURCH HOURS

OFFICE SECRETARY HOURS

Monday - Thursday 8:00 - 5:00 PM

Wednesday &Thursday 8:00 - 12:00 PM

Youth news continued onto next page.

MISSIONARY OF THE MONTH

JOSE´ AND LISA CHAMBILLA

Dallas, Texas WYCLIFFE BIBLE TRANSLATORS Jose´ and Lisa work as support staff, human resource and IT specialists with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Dallas, TX. They minister critical support in the work of Bible Translation throughout the Americas. Jose´ works specifically in developing and maintaining software that the translators use in translating the Word of God. Jose´ and Lisa have three children, Laura, Sammy and Ruthie. Pray . . . For continued financial support; For Jose as he travels and troubleshoots IT issues in Latin America; For Lisa on the home front as she cares and teaches the children.

Preach the Gospel to your Heart.