Pay It Forward – New Theme for the 12 Days of Christmas

Many people are striving to bring the message of Christmas back to its

Spending Thanksgiving WITH one another. No food comas or screaming at football players on the TV. Don't know our Christmas plans yet. What are YOURS?

roots of giving, love, compassion, Christ. My church, along with many others, is encouraging folks to be part of the Advent Conspiracy. View one explanation video here. The idea is to . . .

• Spend less money on stuff for those you love. Buy ONE less gift.
• Instead spend more time doing activities with them. Build those relationships. Go here for activity ideas.
• With the money you don’t spend on that ONE gift, give to those who can’t afford basic necessities. Give the gift of clean water  . . . .   check out a Samaritan’s Purse catalog of ways to help children and women worldwide  . . . .   give to your church benevolent fund to reach those in your church family and neighborhood  . . . .  or give to CAMA Services which also has worldwide projects to help the needy.

Or join in a unique way to celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas. Read on to understand this concept.

Yesterday I came across a post on Jan’s Yearning for God. Jan introduced us to a blog called Chain Links which encourages and documents random acts of kindness. Trista Wilson is a 27-year-old blogger who wants to change the emphasis on Christmas, too. She asks,

“Remember when Christmas was really about bringing family together, the birth of Christ, and encompassing the spirit of giving?”

I love her line of questioning here . . .

•  Since when did we need to ‘buy’ love from the very people who already love us unconditionally?
• And why can’t showing someone how much they mean to us consist of quality conversation and random acts of kindness …
• rather than topping last years Christmas gift with an even more extravagant one this year?

In order to ”help us focus on what truly matters and get in the spirit of giving that Christmas was meant to inspire,” Chain Links has come up with a new theme for the 12 Days of Christmas (Dec 13-24) – Pay it Forward with random acts of kindness.

You can pick your own good deeds. Or you can follow the below list that

Giving our time to others brings joy to the relationship. Giving $ wisely to the poor brings joy to their circumstances.

Chain Links has written as suggestions. It’s a great starting place for ideas.

THE 12 GIFTS OF CHRISTMAS:

DAY 12: (DECEMBER 13)– Buy food for a homeless person (or someone in need). This does not have to be expensive. $5 should cover lunch.

DAY 11: (DECEMBER 14)– Write a kind, hand-written letter to someone who changed your life for the better. And no, I’m not talking about an email or a text…I’m talking about snail mail people. (This can be to a childhood friend, a teacher from the past, or even an old baby-sitter that impacted your life for the better.)

DAY 10: (DECEMBER 15)– Pay for the person’s order in line behind you in either the coffee drive-thru, fast food, a tollbooth, train ticket, etc. (There are a LOT of options here…)

DAY 9: (DECEMBER 16)– Put grocery carts away in a random parking lot for other shoppers or find carts that others have left behind. It will help the employees out by bringing them indoors where they belong.

DAY 8: (DECEMBER 17)– Write a letter of thanks to the armed forces. (Yes, even if you don’t support the war. Remember that these people are risking their lives daily in order to ensure our safety and Freedom).

Here is the address:

A Million Thanks

17853 Santiago Blvd. #107-355

Villa Park, CA 92861

DAY 7: (DECEMBER 18)– Buy or bake something for a neighbor. You may know them well, or you may have never even introduced yourself. So here’s your chance;)

DAY 6: (DECEMBER 19)– Buy a $5 or $10 gift card for a grocery store, gas station, coffee place, etc. Leave the gift card on a random park bench or windshield of someone’s car.

DAY 5: (DECEMBER 20)– Do something kind for the elderly. This can be anything from helping them to their car with heavy groceries, holding the door open for them, volunteering at a retirement home, or even raking their leaves.

DAY 4: (DECEMBER 21)– Tape quarters to a vending machine. So simple, yet so convenient! I honestly cannot count how many times I have wanted a snack or a soda, but could not dig up that last quarter to satisfy my craving.

DAY 3: (DECEMBER 22)– Leave a generous tip for a server, barista, or bartender–along with a nice note. This will most likely make their night. Having been in all three of these positions, I know how easy it is to get discouraged when guests are difficult and do not tip. This could turn their entire day around!

DAY 2: (DECEMBER 23)– Purchase a gift card at a local grocery store (of any amount). Turn around in line, and hand it to the first person you see. Then walk away. No explanation is needed. I’m sure their expression will say it all.

Day 1: (DECEMBER 24)– YOUR turn to choose a random act of kindness. I thought it would be fun to see the different ideas everybody comes up with for this last day before Christmas. Be creative. The sky is the limit. =)

Go here to read the full blog post. Chain Links is hoping to document the

Through Samaritan's Purse, it only costs $9 to feed a hungry baby for a week.

experiences of those who do these or other random acts of kindness.

By The Way – if you planned on giving me a present, I’d love it if you used the $ to buy Gift #2 – food for a week for a hungry baby ($9).

Your Turn  .  .  .  .   How are you going to ensure that this Christmas is more about spending TIME with loved ones? And that it includes helping ONE person in need?

Related Movie . . . Christmas on Division Street. This moving story shows a kid from a wealthy family coming to care for, befriend and really SEE some of the homeless in his new city, Philadelphia. This new attitude trickles into the lives of his family and friends after a tragic event. I saw this on Netflix instant streaming.

Related Posts . . . 

• 6 Ways to Decommercialize Christmas. Does it bother you that stores start selling Christmas decorations and Christmas themed gifts as soon as Halloween is over? Are you offended that many stores are bowing to politically correct pressure and requiring their clerks and cashiers to say “Happy Holidays” instead of Merry Christmas? Read on for 6 ways to put Christ back into Christmas.
• 7 More Ways to Decommercialize Christmas. Do you feel that the true meaning of Christmas has become lost in the wrappings, trappings, and political fights? Well read on for 7 more ways to put Christ back into Christmas.
• 10 Acts of Kindness Ideas and 20 Acts of Kindness Ideas
• Everyone Can help One Child. My poorest/deprived day is unimagined wealth to a majority of the world. Especially to the children. I can give up some “extras” in my life to help a child. A cup of designer coffee . . . a Thrifty’s ice cream cone . . . an item from McDonald’s Dollar menu . . . a pair of clearance shoes from Wal-Mart . . . a gas station car wash.
• Perfect Gift Takes Reflection and Sacrifice. The Christmas movie, The Bishop’s Wife, helps me to think about what’s truly important at Christmas and what gift I’ll give to the birthday Boy/God named Jesus.
• When Christmas Gets Radical: Whose Birthday is it Really? How a question from a child changed the Voskamp’s way of “doing” Christmas: ”if we get wrapped presents for our birthdays, real sacrifices from people who love us — they gave up other things to give something to us — then why don’t we do that for Jesus’ birthday?” Read this post by Ann for their answer.

Rancho Cordova Venue: Relay For Life Walk Oct. 1-2

CNC’s Women’s Ministry is organizing a team to participate in the American Cancer Society’s
Relay for Life 24 hour Walk.  The Walk is from 9 am Saturday, October 1^st – 10 am Sunday, October 2nd, 2011. It will take place at the Mills Middle School Track on Coloma Road.

The below form shows the time slots that are still open for walkers. Email me your info or sign up in Rudat Hall the next 2 Sundays (9/11 & 9/18) if you’d like to walk and/or give a donation.

There is a team fee of $150.00. We are hoping walkers can donate $6.25 to go towards the team fee. If we get a sponsor or raise more than $150.00 all money will go towards Relay for Life. Please make your check out to Relay for Life and give the check to LaRee.

NOTE: As the requests come in, I will update the below form. I will not post your contact info. I will just take away the time slot.

Originally posted September 7th. UPDATED September 26, 2011. There are NOW 12 time slots available. For many of the times, we have 2 people walking! Sign up today to join this worthwhile fundraiser.

Name	Phone #	Email	Time slots to walk
			Sat. 6-7 pm
			Sat. 9-10 pm
			Sat. 11-12 Midnight
			Sat. Midnight – 1 am
			Sun. 1-2 am
			Sun. 2-3 am
			Sun. 3-4 am
			Sun. 4-5 am
			Sun. 5-6 am
			Sun. 6-7 am
			Sun. 8-9 am
			Sun. 9-10 am

Boundaries of Secret Sis Prayer Program Help Overcome Prayer Paralysis

I like to pray. But sometimes I feel overwhelmed and paralyzed. There is so much to pray for. Sometimes I don’t know where to start and I don’t know when I am allowed to stop. I often don’t have good prayer boundaries.

I love the boundaries the secret sister program provides. On the Secret Sister form, we all write down our prayer requests. Wahoo – there is no guessing and no worrying that I’ll forget a major request.

I pray according to my sister’s written requests. However, many, many times I find myself praying beyond the boundaries. I think it’s because I am not worrying about doing it right. I will add prayers that are linked to my Scripture reading. Since I always make it a point to talk to my secret sister at least once a month (she doesn’t know I’m her ss), I add prayers from points that came up in our conversations. And sometimes as I am quiet, the Lord will bring something to mind for me to pray about. This type of prayer does not overwhelm or paralyze me.

CNC ladies, join us in this prayer ministry.

• You’ll have good boundaries that aid in praying and encouraging your Secret Sister.
• Plus, you will also receive prayer and encouragement.
• You can’t ever get enough prayer.
• You can’t ever get enough encouragement.

Why don’t you click on the link for the secret sister form 2011 pdf or the Secret Sister Form 2011 online form? Fill out the form. You still have time to turn it in to Marsha by the February 15th deadline.

8 Reasons Why You’ll Love Coming to CNC’s Women’s Reception February 12th

The Reception starts at 2 pm in Rudat Hall. No need to bring any food. Bring a friend and your curiosity.

What would you add to this list of “Why You’ll Love Attending the Reception”?

1. You’ll hear amazing stories of how God’s love, power, and involvement in individual lives make a difference.
2. You’ll learn how you can help meet needs of those who don’t have much.
3. You see how easy it is to support our workers through prayer, encouragement, and by giving money.
4. You will sense how awesome it is to be part of a global movement of love.
5. You will eat some tasty hors d’oeuvres (scones, cookies, hummus and chips to name a few items).
6. You will have the opportunity to talk with ladies in an unhurried atmosphere.
7. Our speaker, Rachel, is a funny, real, tender, godly,  20something woman whom you’ll enjoy listening to.
8. Rob and Mary-Jo will lead us in musical worship.

10 Ways to Show Your Love at CNC

Love is more than a feeling. It is an action. It is a purposeful action. As you engage in purposeful actions you show others that they are important. You  show that you love them. Below are 10 ideas you can use to show CNC folks that you love them.

1. Encourage someone. Do this by a kind word, by a phone call, or by sending a card.
2. Give food. Join the Meal’s Ministry by filling out the Meals Ministry Sign Up Form, bring something to  Neighborhood Meals, make a special meal for your family, or take dinner to a neighbor.
3. Good works. Do a good deed for someone. Ideas include the following: vacuum, do some gardening, run an errand, babysit, wash the car, read a book out loud.
4. If you don’t tithe, start. Ponder and pray about why you don’t tithe. If it is because of fear, go here. Even a small amount helps pay the church’s bills and salaries.
5. Practice hospitality. Invite someone to your home for tea or a home-cooked meal, Or take them out to eat. Go here and here for more ideas on hospitality.
6. Pray for the attendees, staff, and ministries of CNC.
7. Really Listen. The next time you have a conversation with someone, give them your undivided attention. This action says, “You are my friend.”
8. Sponsor someone: (a) a woman for the June Retreat (click on the Women’s Retreat Brochure 2011), (b) a youth for Winter camp, or (c) any female for the April 30^th walkathon. The $ will go towards building a women’s center in the Middle East.
9. Use your spiritual gift. If you don’t know what it is, go here for a free online test. I’d love to talk with you about the results.
10. Volunteer. There are opportunities available in the youth, children’s, and nursery ministries. You can also help in the kitchen (make coffee, buy the donuts and bagels, put out the food) on Sunday mornings, or clean the pews during the week. There’s more than this! Let Roberta know what you’d like to do and she’ll direct you to the correct person.

What loving activity does God want you to pursue? … Or what have you done this week?

This Covert Op Doesn’t Require You to Be Buff, Bilingual, or Brainiac

If I ever get super buff, become bilingual, and find my memory, I am going to sign up as a spy. I love the idea of covert operations, of sneaking around doing heroic stuff that no one knows about. Changing, protecting, and saving lives. That’s what I want to do.

But until that happens, I have found a good substitute. I have signed up as a Secret Sister 2011. Prayer is definitely heroic. Much of the time it is to be done in secret. There is no doubt of the power and effectiveness of prayer. It changes, protects, and saves lives.

CNC ladies (18 years old and up), you too can be part of this covert operation. Click on the appropriate link and fill out your Secret Sister form. This is the secret sister form 2011 pdf. This is the Secret Sister Form 2011 online form. You still have time to turn it in to Marsha before the Sunday, February 15^th deadline.

And you don’t have to get fit, be language savvy, or even remember a lot in order to be part of this awesome team. And you can even wear your super hero cape, if you’d like.

5 New “Things” at Women’s Reception Makes it Better Than Ever: Sat., Feb. 12th, 2 pm, Rudat Hall

This year’s World Focus Weekend for women is different.

• There is not a formal tea this year.
• You do NOT need to bring anything except yourself and a friend.
• Come prepared to enjoy a yummy hors d’ oeuvres spread. Some of the food will be Arabic.
• Rob and Mary-Jo Towns will lead us in musical worship.
• Rachel Greenfield is our speaker. She will share with us why she lives and works in Jordan and how we can help.

Read on to get to know Rachel a little better.

7 Minutes by Rachel Greenfield

Because my children are determined to make sure I don’t have more than about 7 minutes of personal time per day, I attempt to use those 7 personal minutes taking a shower and changing out of my pajamas (though honestly there are many days that one or both of those don’t happen!).

I took my 7 minutes a few days ago and read an awesome blog post and I LOVED it! It was on a day I had browsed through the aisles of Old Navy, had a Starbucks specialty drink that didn’t cost 1/4 of my paycheck and watched a mom in an SUV pull up to the entrance of Target and drop her three girls off to run in
and get an icee. They came out giggling and jumped into their Swagger Waggon, complete with a soccer ball on the gas cap, and I just started feeling sorry for myself… and then started feeling sorry for my kids.

Since I felt like allowing myself to wallow, I began dwelling on all the things they are going to “miss out on” because of the life we have chosen, superficially icees, Target, Costco pizza (now one of Noah’s favorites) and soccer leagues. But they will also miss out on grandparents, cousins, church in English, Sunday School… and there are times this makes me really sad.

But then God sends a special reminder like this post along and I realize we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Be sure to attend the Reception to hear more of Rachel’s story.

7 New Small Groups Added to CNC’s Small Group List (January 2011)

CNC Information to Know . . .

Small Group signups are happening NOW in Rudat Hall. Sign up and pay for your book in Rudat Hall on Sunday, January 23rd. Or contact me at any time as many of the groups have open enrolment.

These Sunday Groups Start January 30th, 2011 at Cordova Neighborhood Church.

1. The Smart Stepfamily: Seven Steps to a Healthy Family - Mark and Michelle White will lead this 8 week DVD group at the 9:30 hour. The workbook is $5.00. The book costs $14.00 and is optional. You can get it on Amazon.com. Please pay by January 23rd for the workbook.
2. Marriage Built to Last – Grant and Jodi Lien will lead this 6 week DVD group at the 9:30 hour. The cost of the book is $15.00. Please pay for your book by January 23rd.
3. Living a Purpose Driven Life – Pamela Finney will lead a 6 week group through this book at the 11:00 hour. No charge for the book.
4. 4. Introduction to Greek – Andrew Green will be teaching this 16 week 90 minute class on Sunday mornings. This language class requires the student to complete weekly homework, quizzes and tests. But by the end of the course, you’ll be able to translate large portions of 1st John! It will be at the 11:00 hour and run from 11:00 am -12:30 pm.. Bring your own textbooks to the first class.

Required Texbook: A New Testament Greek Primer by S. M. Baugh, 2nd edition (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R  Publishing, 2009)–Available on Amazon.com for ~$20; CBD.com for ~$23

Highly Recommended Textbook: The Greek New Testament w/ Dictionary (United Bible Societies, 4th Edition)–Available on Amazon.com for ~$32; CBD.com for ~$32

This Tuesday Group Starts February 1st, 2011 at Cordova Neighborhood Church.

1. The book of Ruth – Elise Gaube will teach this 12 week small group from 10-11:30 am. If you’d like, come at 9 am to help with the stamp ministry and then stay for the study. The book, Love Knows No Barriers by Margaret Hess is optional. You can buy it here.

These Wednesday Groups Start February 2nd, 2011.

1. 66 Love Letters: A Conversation with God That Invites You into His Story by Dr. Larry Crabb - Susan Wright (and others) will lead women through the Bible one love letter at a time. It will be at CNC from 7-8:30 pm. RSVP for childcare. In order to get more out of the book, we will have an 8 week overview of the Bible first. Please pay for your booklet by January 30th, 2011. The cost of the booklet is $5.00.
2. Pastor’s Class – Pastor Mike and Robin Mitchum invite you to attend a 5 week small group at their home. You will hear about the current ministries of CNC and Pastor’s vision for our future. You will also have an opportunity to ask questions. It is held in their home (2380 Rudat Circle) from 6-8:30 pm and includes dinner. RSVP for childcare.

If you have any questions about hosting a small group in your home, or leading a small group, contact me, Susan, today! I can be reached at Susan@cnchurch.org or 635-5992 x 14.

Click on this link for all the Small Group information, women’s ministry information, and meals ministry information.

10 Reasons Why Involvement in Your Church Nursery is Important

Volunteering in the nursery is more than changing diapers, rocking babies and helping the under 2 ½ year old’s play nicely together. It is a very important ministry to the child, parent(s), and even to yourself. Below are 10 reasons why your involvement is needed, useful, and important.

1. Following orders. The Bible (Romans 12: 3-9, 1 Cor. 12: 1-31 & 1 Peter 4: 10-11)  tells Believers to use their spiritual gifts for the good of the church, to serve one another in love. When you are in the nursery, you are obeying one of God’s reasons for gifting Believers. Your obedience pleases God and blesses the church.
2. Full attention. Once babies reach a certain age, they get wriggly and noisy. These actions while normally welcomed can cause a parent to be distracted and uncomfortable in a church setting. Having the child in the nursery allows parents to participate in church without distraction.
3. Great impressions. Infants, even though they cannot talk, and under 2 ½ year olds are forming their first impressions about church, God and people. Many of these impressions stay with them for their whole lives. You have the opportunity to make healthy impressions.
4. Keep schedule. In the nursery it is easier to follow his/her schedule regarding bottle-feeding and napping. Since we have a separate crib room, the child can lay down in comfort and quiet when it is time for a nap. And when awake and mobile, there is plenty of room, toys, and attention to keep the child engaged and content.
5. Pastor pastors. Since the parents are in the service and/or small group, the pastor and teachers are able to fulfill their ministry to the parents by teaching, preaching, exhortation, mercy, encouragement, etc. Thus the parents are able to grow in maturity, receive love, and be equipped for service in their home and church.
6. Prayer ministry. Prayer can take place anywhere: when rocking a fussy or sleepy child, just before you separate the two tykes fighting over the train, as you change the diaper, or even as you briefly hug the little one who tripped over the crumb on the carpet. You have many little opportunities to pray for the baby and his/her family.
7. Realistic expectations. The more hours you put into the nursery, the more you come to understand that age group. You learn what the normal range of behaviors is. This knowledge helps you relax your expectations for all children in general and for your own in particular. An added bonus is you are a good resource for the parents regarding appropriate behaviour.
8. Relationship building. In the nursery you have the opportunity to build up relationships with the children, the parents, and with the other nursery workers. Doing so gives you a sense of belonging, of affirmation, of team work, and of being needed. You find that even though you are in a ministry and are giving to others, you are also receiving much in return.
9. Spiritual influence. The older ones in the nursery follow a simple schedule which includes a Bible story, music, scripture, and prayer. This schedule exposes the children to core Biblical themes like God loves them and they can trust God. This first influence can also stay with the child for their lifetime.
10. Stay or go? The nursery is the first point-of-contact for many families. How the parents and baby are treated will determine if the family stays in the church. Your commitment to being . . . on time … attentive to baby … friendly to the parent … and to the previous ten points makes a difference in the now and for eternity. I hope you can see how valuable your time in the nursery is. Thank you for your commitment and service.

Your Turn . . .

• Have you ever worked in the church nursery? Do you agree or disagree with the above list? What would you add?
• Are you a parent with a child in the nursery? What is your opinion on the above list?

Related Posts . . .

• Which Gift Do You Wish You Had
• Spiritual Gifts Are Like a Box of Sees Chocolates

 

9 Ways to Make Church Attendance More Meaningful

Are you looking to add meaning to your Sunday church experience? Would you like to find a sense of belonging? Want to connect with people and God on a more regular basis? Read on for 9 ideas on how to do this.

PDF of Meaningful Church Experience Quiz

Below is a quiz on these points. Match the letter with the correct number.

1. ____ Apply sermon points to your …
2. ____ Attend church with an …
3. ____ Be involved in a …
4. ____ Each Sunday look for …
5. ____ Go to church expecting to …
6. ____ Since your time, talent & treasures are God’s …
7. ____ Thank God for the freedom to …
8. ____ The church (attendees, building, & ministries) belongs to …
9. ____ Use your talents and spiritual gift(s)

to …

A. attentive, grateful , humble attitude.

B.  give them back to Him cheerfully, liberally, & willingly.

C. God, not a denomination or people.

D. hear a message from God.

E. own life, not the lives of others.

F. read the Bible for yourself  & to worship openly.

G. serve in a ministry.

H. small group.

I. ways  to help someone.

Click on the More button for the answers.

Your Turn …

1. Which points are most meaningful to you?
2. What would you add to this list?
3. Would you take anything off the list?