Great Day
8-29-10
We had a great day today at the Ministry Fair.  So many new faces and great opportunities for folks to be plugged into genuine community in a variety of ways.  The new groups and ministries have gotten off to a great start for the fall.  Sign-up will continue through the end of September.  A big thank you goes out Larry Wilson for getting up at 2:30 AM and preparing the meat.  Thank you also to Scot Scobee for leading the ministry tent, Laura Key for handling all the festivities for the children, Tom Green and his crew for parking, and to all who helped with set-up and clean-up.  Jerry, Jay, Sarah, Nick, Tyler, Josh, and Noah did an awesome job with the worship.   Of course, Mary Douglas for taking care of so many details and making the day run smooth.  I can't say enough about the multiple genuine expressions of love through out the day that touched my heart.  Whether it was seeing people praying together, serving one another, hearing life stories for the first time, or just sharing a laugh, it is cause for me to be so thankful for the CCC family. 
-Kevin

One Service
08-26-10
There will be one service this Sunday, August 29th at 9:00 AM.  We will be outside.  Dress accordingly.  Enjoy the Ministry Fair at 10:30 and wonderful meal at 11:30 AM. 
-Kevin

Ministry Fair
08-20-10
A mountain of work is going into the Ministry Fair on August 29. I so appreciate the work of my assistant Mary Douglas, the ministry leaders, and all the volunteers helping with the event. We are preparing for a great day and excited about connecting all the new people at CCC to places where they can serve. Can a person really be a part of a church without serving in some fashion? I don’t think so. The Ministry Fair is ultimately not about the size or growth of the organization. It is about the health of each individual being in vital connection with the plan of God in living the life of a servant.
-Kevin

Prop 8
08-09-10
A big thanks to all those who responded to the message yesterday.  I am so thrilled to hear of how God is working to expand our arms to express love to all segments of society and at the same time strive to think consistent with a biblical worldview.  I was encouraged to hear a testimony from one of our members who is volunterring at Aids Proejct of the Ozarks.  Serving others, loving others, building bridges instead of walls...these are John 8 type of acts that put down the stones and open our hearts.  Keep it up church!
-Kevin

Wedding and Trip
07-19-10
Janet and I got back from PA for our son Kyle’s wedding. We have been blessed on so many levels by this event. Seeing the culmination of many prayers, starting before our children were born, about finding a spouse who loves Christ. We are very proud of Kyle and the man he has become. We could not be any happier about the character, depth, and class of Kaitlin and her wonderful family. Thank you to all for your prayers. The weekend has capped off by my seeing of Craig Fields at Barnes hospital in St. Louis. It was indeed miraculous to see a man with new lungs. He was not on oxygen, but breathing on his own and sitting in a chair. He still has a long recovery, but from where he was, Craig also represents a wonderful example of intervention by God.
Great to be back to the family of CCC.  I got to see Jim Hertlzer, our CCC missionary, before he left town and I have an elder's meeting this evening.  It is with joy that we get back to our regular routine. 
-Kevin

Family Matters
07-12-10
Just finished a fun series on the family. We noted the constant tension of a biblical worldview with the present culture. Take note that Brad and Angelina seem to be looking to adolesents as their moral baromter as they allow their kids to decide if their parents should marry or not. 

A Massachusetts court ruled recently in favor of same-sex marriage.

We talked about parenting the last two weeks. The New York Magazine declares that having children is hazardous to one's happiness.

Many voices in the culture say marriage doesn’t matter, marry any sex you want, and kids are a drain on your personal happiness. I think it is safe to say that if the family is looking for encouragement they should look somewhere other than the above sources. How about we look to the originator of the family for guidance?
-Kevin

Generosity
Posted: 7-6-10
I want to thank all those who gave a monetary gift to help Craig and Annette Fields.  Craig is pastor at Jefferson Ave. Baptist Church and is awaiting a lung transplant in St. Louis.  Your generosity again shows the incredible heart of the body at CCC.  Thank you for again demonstrating that the body of Christ extends beyond one set of church walls. 
-Kevin

A Man's Security
posted: 6-7-10
Abimelech. He had a strange name, but a famous father, Gideon. After his father died, Abimelech connived his way as leader of his people. He killed all his competitors who happened to be his brothers. He eventually lost the respect of his people and he showed at every turn his lack of character. The last moments of his life provided a sad commentary to a man still seemingly trying to impress, trying to prove he was a man’s man. In the middle of a battle a woman dropped a rock on Abimelech’s head from a tall tower, producing a fatal wound. Just before he died Abimelech had an assistant pierce him with a sword so that people would not think he met his fate at the hands of a woman. (Judges 9) Abimelech died still trying to market a reputation into his favor. What a sad thing for a person to be so insecure, so unsure about his standing that even in death he is worried about what others think. “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge.” Psalm 18:2
-Kevin

Gideon
posted: 6-2-10
I love the story of Gideon in Judges 16-18 and how God attended to some of his deepest needs. While Gideon was hiding out of fear God says to him, “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.” (Judges 6:12) Gideon was reticent to accept the call to lead the Israelites against the Midianites and several times sought a confirming sign. God obliged and moved Gideon from a fearful man to a confident leader. Later, as 300 men (so that’s where the movie got its idea?) went on a very unconventional and daring raid, Gideon leads the charge with the words, “For the Lord and for Gideon.” God is in the business of transforming our hearts, changing our thoughts about what He can and will do through us, renovating our minds about who we really are in Christ. May we allow God access to our deepest needs through a humble and passionate pursuit of Him.
-Kevin

Ties that Bind
posted: 5-13-10
Can't wait to jump into Ephesians 5 on the fruit that comes from being controlled by the Holy Spirit.   We will talk about the ties that bind for the next several weeks. 
-Kevin

New to CCC?
Posted: 4-20-10
If you are new to CCC let me suggest a great way for you to get to know others and gain some friends.  Try any one of our Home Fellowship Groups that meet throughout the week.  You can check out the HFG page on our website.
-Kevin

Wonderful Resurrection Day
Posted: 4-4-10
We had a great day at CCC today.  It never gets tiring to see lives changed and transformed.  One of the marks of God moving among us is lasting transformation, people living faithfully and over a long period of time in full devotion to Christ.  Thank you to the many testimonies today of God's work. 
-Kevin

Driscoll on Men
Posted 3-20-10
Here is a message from Mark Driscoll that is about as hard hitting as you will hear.  Hard to argue with what he says.  All men at CCC should give this a listen.
-Kevin

Dealing with Death
Posted: 3-20-10
Yesterday was the memorial for Cindy Cowsert, a dear friend of CCC for a number of years.  I had the pleasure of knowing Cindy for over 20 years.  I was greatly encouraged to read a note she had written several years before her death.  “I never really thought about heaven much. Now I want to go there. It is a place made just for me and others like me.,,There is something so special waiting for me. I can’t even imagine it. And, I know a lot of folks there already. If I go tomorrow or tonight so much the better.  It is my home.”
We miss you Cindy.
-Kevin

Banner Day
Posted: 3-8-10
It was great to have Gary Zimmerman share this past Sunday about what God is doing in Bolivia.  I loved the feedback/comments during the service as we conversed about how CCC can apply wisdom to various temptations as we move forward as a church.  Although we had a record attendance, I am far more pleased with the attitude and willingness to change at CCC.  Change will be our friend as we continue to grow.  We will make some adjustments to the length of both services so that teachers are not taxed.  Thank you again to all who have committed to making an investment in the lives of our children.

Loving This
Posted: 3-5-10
Thinking today how much I love the spirit of the saints at CCC and how when the body of Christ is healthy it is so fun to watch God move. Had lunch today with a person who came to Christ in the last few weeks.  What a privilege to be up and close and personal to hear the story of redemption lived out once again in living color.  Hearing such stories never gets old.  My brothers and sisters, let us give our lives away to impacting others for the kingdom of God. 
-Kevin

Walking in the Light
Posted: 2-24-10
Who would believe that in the first service of a new series called, "Walking in the Light" the electricity went out at the church facility and we did the entire service in the dark?  Everyone was perfectly calm and the Lord gave us a special, sweet time together.  Thanks to everyone for staying put and watching several of us scurrying about to go on with the service.  Perhaps we are learning a little of what it meant to worship in the catacombs.  Can't wait to see what happens next Sunday!
-Kevin

Life is Like a Box of Chocolates
Posted: 2-20-10
I heard the ladies of CCC had a great time time at their belated Valentines bash.  Here is a fun video of some of the festivities as Julie White and Juli Houseman did rendition of Mama Mia.
-Kevin

Valentines Weekend
Posted: 2-15-10
Had the week off last week and Janet and I enjoyed a weekend away.  What a great time to spend with my wife.  The time away was a needed refreshment.  I sure missed being at CCC.  I visited a couple different churches.  One was at Jefferson Ave. Baptist Church where my dear friend Craig Fields is the pastor.  He talked about the identity of a true disciple.  It was great to hear a message that was straight from the Word, with heart, and honest.  Craig reminds me that the fruit of being faithful and leading with integrity always brings a special reward. 
-Kevin

Thankful
Posted: 2-10-10
So thankful for a great group of ministry leaders who have spearheaded some major changes for CCC with two concurrent Sunday Schools during the two worship services.  March 7 is just around the corner.  Don't forget to finish up your survey that will be emailed to all this week. 
-Kevin

Discovery Group
Posted: 1-21-10
It is still not too late to join the Christ Community Church Discovery Group that meets this Sunday at 9:45 AM. The group is for those new to CCC who want to learn more about its history, vision, and beliefs. The group meets in room 101 next to the nursery.
-Kevin

Men's Group
Posted: 1-23-10
Finished up with the men in Nehemiah Men's Group today.  Pretty cool to see men making man-sized commitments to reject passivity, accept responsibility, lead courageously, and expect God's greater reward.
-Kevin

Group
Posted: 1-21-10
So exciting to see what God is doing in the Life Groups and Home Fellowship Groups at CCC. New people are getting connected and loved. Our best feature is the people at CCC and what God is doing in and through them.
-Kevin

When The Church Disappointments
Posted: 1-16-10
I will be speaking again on disappointment and this Sunday tackling the issue of when the church disappointments.  I am excited about some of the things we will be talking about. 
-Kevin

Disaster Relief
Posted: 1-14-10
There is much grief as we watch the horrible events in Haiti. The people of God have an opportunity to respond with a reputable relief organization right here in Springfield. Go to the Convoy of Hope website and you can contribute much needed cash or when volunteer help is needed you can give of your time. The website is http://convoyofhope.org/
-Kevin

Tiger
Posted: 1-5-10
I mentioned Tiger Woods in a message recently and how he needed grace and forgiveness.  I came across some comments by the Fox News correspondant Britt Hume that echo the same thoughts.  Here is the clip.  
-Kevin

Read Bible in One Year
posted: 1-1-10
Reading through the Bible can be one of the richest experiences to energize the spiritual life.  In the Resources section you will find two schedules to help you accomplish the goal.  (One is a regular schedule and the other is a historical chronological schedule) I suggest using a journal to write down your insights along the way.  You might also consider using it as a small group project or partnering up with someone.  Let's enrich 2010 with a steady flow of food for the heart. 
-Kevin

That’s a Wrap
posted: 12-31-09
Well, 2009 is almost gone. How about we pause and thank God for how He worked in our lives this past year? I am very thankful for a wonderful family and my extended brothers and sisters of CCC. We have witnessed lives being changed and new groups and added staff and growth. We are very blessed. I trust 2010 will be an even greater year of a “Christ-dependent community equipped to impact their world.”
-Kevin

Questions for 2009
The questions from last Sunday's message to ponder as we evaluate our year are posted under the resources tab of the church website.
Posted: 12-28-09