Week of August 2

Dear Friends,

Can you fathom that we begin the month of August on Saturday? The summer seems to be flying by and the fall is not far off! Let me highlight some of the things – both near and far- that are on our horizon.

This Week:

  • Men’s Group Breakfast – The men of the church are invited to share breakfast together this Saturday morning at Panera’s on 21st Street beginning at 8:30 am. All men of the Church are welcome (bring a friend along with you as well)!
  • Some Strong Backs needed on Sunday: We are replacing the tile in one of our Sunday School rooms this coming week and need to clear the space of some heavy furniture. If a few able bodied folks can stick around after Fellowship time to help out, we’d appreciate it greatly.

Next Month:

  • Ice Cream Social and VBS Recap takes place on Saturday, September 5. This will be a fun, inter-generational event that will help jump-start our fall season. Mark your calendars now and plan on joining in on the fun.
  • Tenth Anniversary Celebration and Bishop Visit: On the weekend of September 25-27 we will celebrate our Ten years of life as a church and welcome Bishop Quigg Lawrence to our community once again. Plans are being finalized this month but we ask you to do your best to block out the Saturday evening and Sunday to make sure you are part of the festivities. More information will follow as plans are finalized.
  • Sunday School Teachers are needed for the Fall. Please pray that God would raise up the right folks for this important ministry (and be open to the chance that ‘you’ may be an answer to that prayer!).

Looking Ahead:

  • PEARUSA’s National Assembly takes place November 4-7 near Charlotte NC. This promises to be a wonderful time of teaching, fellowship, and networking for our young movement. We would love to have a good contingent from CtR benefit from the event. For more information check out www.pearusa.org website.

Looking forward to worshiping with you on Sunday.

May we all be open to the prompting of the Spirit this day.

Week of July 12

Dear Friends

As we move into the summer months let me remind us all of some ministry opportunities available to us all;

Five Loaves Food Pantry Service Opportunity: Jennifer Brown is organizing another service event at Brother Tim’s Food Pantry in Newport News. This time we will have the chance to help with the Tuesday night dinner they host each week. The date is July 28 and the suggested time is 4-7 pm. Please let Jennifer know if you are planning on participating in this fun and helpful way (brownie7506@yahoo.com).

‘Name Tags’ as ‘Hospitality’: Summer is the time when many people – individuals, couples, and families – are seeking for a ‘new Christian home’. A simple way of showing hospitality to those who are arriving as guests is to wear our ‘Name Tags’ (it saves the newcomer embarrassment when they forget your name in the middle of a conversation!). The Name Tags are located on the shelves just inside the hallway next to the Nursery.

Looking Ahead:

Bishop Steve Breedlove’s Visit: September 25-27. Bishop Steve will be with us the weekend we celebrate our Ten Year Anniversary as a church.

PEARUSA National Assembly takes place on November 5-7 near Charlotte NC. This promises to be a wonderful time for teaching, fellowship and networking. (peasusaassembly.org).

2016 Women’s Retreat has been set for April 22-24th at Camp Chanco. Mark your calendars now and plan on joining in on the fun.

Looking forward to worshiping with you on Sunday.

Week of July 5

Dear Friends,

Allow me to share with you some ‘Mission’ and ‘Ministry’ news and opportunities:

MISSION FOCUS:

  • Vacation Bible School concludes on Friday and we get a chance to celebrate the week on Sunday during worship! We have 33 children led by nearly 20 adults and teens enjoying a ‘Journey Off the Map’ following Jesus. Come to worship ready to celebrate with the team on all that was learned this week.
  • ‘Mbyo School Project’: The numbers are in for our mission raising opportunity. Thirty-one ‘households’ gave and/or pledged a total of $15,570 towards the building of two additional classrooms onto the school of our sister parish in Mbyo. Thank you for your generosity. Pray now for the completion of the work in Mbyo, Rwanda.
  • ‘Five Loaves Food Pantry’ service opportunity: We plan on helping with the serving of dinner at Brother Tim’s Food Pantry Ministry on Tuesday July 28th. Please let Jennifer know that you plan to participate (brownie7506@yahoo.com).

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES:

  • Sound & Projection Booth ministry is looking for more willing volunteers. Training is available for this important task. Please speak to Jordan for more information (obi.y.kenobi@gmail.com).
  • Sunday School Teachers needed for the fall! We are adding another class this fall and Jennifer is looking for a team of three to help lead it. Please contact Jennifer for more information (brownie7506@yahoo.com).
  • Hospitality Opportunity with Chinese Students and Scholars: We have been asked to help meet and greet the incoming Chinese students and scholars arriving this summer for ODU’s fall term. The world is literally coming to us and asking for our help! Please contact David Snouffer for more information on this wonderful ministry (da.snouffer@verizon.net).

See you in worship on Sunday. Remember to wear your Name Tag as a way of showing hospitality to our guests!