Our Purpose Statement: To proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, through prayerful acts of service within our community, our nation and our world.

James 5:16 tells us that "When a believing person prays, great things happen!"

The power of prayer is tremendous...will you pray with us, and for us, and help us reach out to our community in ways and means never experienced before?  I know great things will happen.

Janet Hahn, Outreach Committee
klhahn@yahoo.com

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Outreach – January 2012

A new year, a new beginning. January 1 is a day like any other day, but somehow it is heavy with anticipation and hope. Anticipation of what lies ahead, of new paths not yet taken; hope that things might be a little better, goals might be reached, dreams might come true.

Life in Jesus is like New Year’s Day every day. The Bible says, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,” “see, I make all things new,” his mercies are “new every morning.” If our feet walk any path this year, may it be the path the Lord sets for each one of us and for our community.

As I begin this new role of Outreach Coordinator, I would invite you to join me to consider and to pray how best to accomplish the tasks that we know are before us.

This year, certain events under the Outreach umbrella will again take place and certain ministries under the Outreach umbrella will continue. There is an air of anticipation of what our church, centrally located in Cedar Creek, can be. People in the community are recognizing it – you all proved it throughout 2011 as you welcomed strangers, victims, workers, guests – in every situation, at every possible moment. Always a place of hospitality and hope.

The possibilities are endless! The needs are great – we saw that in 2011. I know without a doubt that the Lord lays certain burdens on the hearts of his people. Not everyone has the same burden. You may have a burden for the hungry, for the elderly, for the children, for those devastated by fires, or for bringing laughter, music or art in Christ’s name to your community. That’s just a few out of infinite possibilities.

I have a tendency toward frenzied thinking (I exhaust my husband when I think out loud). This is not a good thing!  I can think of things and not complete them. I can think of things and never get started. I could then throw 100 balls up in the air and drop all but 4 of them. The other 96 balls are important (at least to me), but I know I have to focus on just a few. But if a few more people pick up a few balls – or throw their own in the air and ask for some help – well, we can do a lot! Where two or more are gathered…..

If the Lord has given you a burden and you don’t know where to start, consider Outreach as a first step. If you have a thousand ideas and don’t know which ones to catch, consider Outreach as an extra hand.

As a new day starts in your life, as you journey with Christ, consider the opportunity available to you in Outreach. Join us on the team or for individual events. Get your feet wet, make a new friend, reach out in Love.

Our first meeting of 2012 will be Saturday, January 7, at 11:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Come on in!

Janet Hahn, Outreach Committee
klhahn@yahoo.com

This Just In – HEADLINES OF RECENT EVENTS:

The Community Christmas Dinner was a resounding success – thanks to all of you who volunteered, cooked, baked, gave up your place in line or cobbled together crowns and costumes for the large number of kids who participated in the impromptu Pageant. So many of our neighbors came for dinner, so many families were touched by having their children participate in the pageant – everyone left with a smile on their face and, hopefully, some TRUE joy in their heart – the joy that comes from an encounter with Jesus. Good work, family!

Angel Tree – wow! Over 130 kids provided for! The CCUMC elves were busy throughout the month of December shopping, wrapping, gathering information on the needs and then experiencing the joy of handing over the goods! Thanks to EVERYONE in this amazing church family for participating in this annual event! Dollar General was a tremendous blessing to us as well, so next time you’re shopping there, please let them know how much they are appreciated!

COMING UP: 

Saturday, Jan. 7, 11:00 am – Outreach Committee Meeting in the fellowship hall. There is room for you and a cookie with your name on it! Come on in!