With mindful consideration for the animals this event has been cancelled due to the threat of inclement weather tomorrow. We all want to ensure the safety of those little paws.
Tomorrow May 6 event cancelled.
All Creatures Great & Small Pet Blessing & Adoption
Typical Questions and Answers:
Is there any charge for this event?
Absolutely not! Whether you’re an animal agency or animal lover, it’s free of charge and open to all the public. It’s our gift to the community.
Do you have a lot of adoption agencies attend?
Yes. Please know that we try to get representatives from different breeds as well as the SPCA. You may have to fill out an application at this event in order to be approved for adopting your new family member.
What is the Animal Blessing service?
It’s an outdoor celebration located on Compass Christian Church’s expansive lawn area with representative animal agencies of the community, and refreshments. The highlight of the service is when people bring their animals forward to be blessed, receiving a special “blessing tag.” If your pet doesn’t travel well bring a picture of your pet and we’ll bless it.
Why are animals blessed?
Because God created them and declared them “good” (Genesis 1:25), and because for many people their pets mediate unconditional love and are a blessing to those who love and care for them. This service recognizes and celebrates this reality.
What kinds of animals are welcome?
All kinds! Dogs, cats, birds, pygmy goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, ducks, parrots, snakes, turtles, iguanas and even squirrels! You and your beloved pet, of whatever persuasion, would be warmly welcomed! For your pet’s safety, we advise leashes for dogs and any other species must be caged at all times.
Do you advertise the event?
Yes. We advertise through Facebook promotions, Craigslist, Other Social Media and we also ask that our members put up flyers.
I’d like to participate. What are my options?
If you’re an animal agency that would like to set up a booth to promote your organization, please fill out the contact form information at the top of this post. If you’re an animal lover, just come to the event with your animal friend or a picture.
Rescue Group or Vendor Application for 2017 and 2018:
If you are a Rescue Group or a Vendor and would like more information or to register for this event please fill out this form. (You will be contacted about a week prior to see if you still want to participate)
L: The punishment for our peace was on Him, and we are healed by His wounds.
P: God’s righteous Servant will justify many. He carried their iniquities
U: Therefore God gave Him the many as a portion, and He will receive the mighty as spoil.
Scriptures(Luke 9:51-56; 1 Peter 2:19-25)
Our first reading comes from the good news according to Luke.
51When the days drew near for Jesus to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.
52And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him;
53but they did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem.
54When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?”
55But he turned and rebuked them.
56Then they went on to another village.
Our second reading comes for the first letter of Peter.
19For it is a credit to you if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly.
20If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God’s approval.
21For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps.
22“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
23When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly.
24He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
25For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.
Here ends our readings. May God bless our understanding.
@Copyrighted by Rev. Richard Walker Sermon: “What’s a Christian Follower to Do?” (Luke 9:51-56; 1 Peter 2:19-25) Sunday April 23, 2017
“What’s a Christian Follower to Do?”
Sermon Video:
Sermon Slide Video:
Announcements:
Youth Sunday
April 30 10:30 am
Come engage with us in a very special worship service on Sunday, April 30, 2017,
WHEN CCC YOUTH WILL BE LEADING OUR PRAISE, WHICH WILL BE ALL ABOUT JESUS! OUR TOPIC IS “LOVING DIFFICULT PEOPLE” AND OUR THEME IS JESUS ON THE BEACH!
JOIN WITH US THAT MORNING FOR AMAZING SINGING, SERMONS, SCRIPTURE, DANCE, MUSICAL SOLOS & ENSEMBLES, ART AND A FEW LAUGHS ~ ALL BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE YOUTH OF CCC!
THIS SERVICE WILL SERVE AS AN ANTIDOTE TO THE NOTION THAT THE WHOLE WORLD IS GOING DOWNHILL!!!
—Laura, Rhonda, & the CCC Youth
All Creatures Great & Small Event
Pet Adoption and Pet Blessing
Saturday May 6 10 am – 2 pm
Typical Questions and Answers:
Is there any charge for this event?
Absolutely not! Whether you’re an animal agency or animal lover, it’s free of charge and open to all the public. It’s our gift to the community.
Do you have a lot of adoption agencies attend?
Yes. Please know that we try to get representatives from different breeds as well as the SPCA. You may have to fill out an application at this event in order to be approved for adopting your new family member.
Do you advertise the event?
Yes. We advertise through Facebook promotions, Craigslist, Other Social Media and we also ask that our members put up flyers.
I’d like to participate. What are my options?
If you’re an animal agency that would like to set up a booth to promote your organization, please fill out the contact form information at the top of this post. If you’re an animal lover, just come to the event with your animal friend or a picture.
What is the Animal Blessing service?
It’s an outdoor celebration located on Compass Christian Church’s expansive lawn area with representative animal agencies of the community, and refreshments. The highlight of the service is when people bring their animals forward to be blessed, receiving a special “blessing tag.” If your pet doesn’t travel well bring a picture of your pet and we’ll bless it.
Why are animals blessed?
Because God created them and declared them “good” (Genesis 1:25), and because for many people their pets mediate unconditional love and are a blessing to those who love and care for them. This service recognizes and celebrates this reality.
What kinds of animals are welcome?
All kinds! Dogs, cats, birds, pygmy goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, ducks, parrots, snakes, turtles, iguanas and even squirrels! You and your beloved pet, of whatever persuasion, would be warmly welcomed! For your pet’s safety, we advise leashes for dogs and any other species must be caged at all times.
VBS registration for Maker Fun Factory is now open! VBS is Tuesday, July 11 – Friday, July 14 9:00-11:30 a.m. for kids 3 years old to going into 5th grade. I can’t wait for another great week of VBS with some awesome kids and amazing volunteers! Please spread the word to your neighbors, family and friends!
To view the PDF version of this newsletter go HERE
Rev. Richard Walker ~ April 23
While Troy is on the Pastor’s Class Trip to Nashville with CCC Youth, Rev. Richard Walker will return as our guest minister.
His sermon title is “What’s A Christian Follower to Do?”
Come hear his answer & make him welcome!
Youth Corner:
April 30, Youth Sunday
Come engage with us in a very special worship service on Sunday, April 30, 2017,
when CCC youth will be leading our praise, which will be all about Jesus! Our topic is “Loving Difficult People” and our theme is Jesus on the Beach!
Join with us that morning for amazing singing, sermons, scripture, dance, musical solos & ensembles, art and a few laughs ~ all brought to you by the youth of CCC!
This service will serve as an antidote to the notion that the whole world is going downhill!!!
—Laura, Rhonda, & the CCC Youth
CCC Youth Announcements
PRACTICES for YOUTH SUNDAY ~ All youth will meet after worship on Sun., Apr. 23, from 12:00-2:00, and there will be additional practices on Wed., April 26 and Saturday, Apr. 29. See Rhonda G if you have questions.
1) RAFFLE TICKETS ~ Next Sunday, April 23, we begin the annual raffle ticket fundraiser which will last until June 4. Raffle tickets cost $1 each or 6 for $5; prizes include restaurant gift cards, King’s Island tickets and items from Trades of Hope.
2) NO YOUTH BAKE SALE. This year, May 2 is a Special Election Day and the Warren County Board of Elections will NOT be using our church.
In December, the CYF packed a box of gifts for Alexis, the little girl we met on the mission trip last summer. We wanted to surprise Alexis with some PJs and slippers, art kit & supplies, a cross necklace and edible goodies!
Some CYFers and Chi Rho youth also drew beautiful designs that included scripture! We pray this will be a bright spot and a token of God’s love from fellow sojourners!
(This great photo & story were sent to The Disciples’ Voice editor after the December newsletter deadline, and she forgot to include it in the January newsletter. ~ Apologies!)
Vacation Bible School (VBS) July 11-14
Pastor’s Class Trip to Nashville ~ April 21-23
Each year we take 5th-8th graders to connect with our denominational and national history, share fun experiences along the way, and learn more about God and each other. This year we’re heading to Nashville, TN for a three-day weekend.
Please keep these young travelers and their chaperones in your prayers for a safe, fun, and enriching journey.
Pictures from March 19
Ablaze Choir Sings “Do Something”
solo’s by Jackson F. and Luke B.
Parents & Youth Leaders to Meet May 21
On Sunday, May 21, from 12:00-2:00 p.m., all parents are invited to meet with Youth Leaders to give feedback on this year’s Bible Study and to help plan Sunday school for next year.
We will also discuss a plan for Youth Activities for the coming year (and maybe at least one event this year). We’ll order lunch delivered to the church, and older youth have volunteered to babysit the younger ones with pizza and a movie while parents are in the meeting.
Watch for upcoming announcements. Contact Carol Y for more info.
Reach Out with Helping Hands:
Habitat for Humanity Volunteers
On April 1, X-Day, Compass CC volunteers worked at the Habitat for Humanity Re-Store in Hamilton.
Some demolished old dishwashers and stripped out the metal so it could be recycled; others swept and dusted the store.
At the church, Mike, Sarah, & Matthew L. dispersed five gallons of Roundup around the property to eliminate weeds.
Bill A., Bob P., Don P. and Mike L. (after he finished the Roundup gig) worked on the new storage barn.
They also picked up, delivered & unloaded paving stones to construct a walkway from the sanctuary to the new barn.
Annmarie L., Sarah F. and Marlene P. prepared lunch for the CCC volunteers.
Over-The-Rhine &
Walnut Hills Kitchens & Pantry
“Nourishing the body, mind and spirit”
ANNUAL REPORT 2016
Dear Friends,
This has been an eventful year in getting the Over-The-Rhine Kitchen fully functioning after the fire in October last year. Over-The-Rhine & Walnut Hills volunteers and staff made box lunches at the WH Kitchen and served them outside the Over-The-Rhine Kitchen during the five months of building restoration.
In the Pantry, beyond regular groceries, our gracious pantry supporters responded to the Clean Challenge by donating hygiene items sufficient to allow us to offer each of our 360 monthly pantry households a precious hygiene bag in September, November, and December! Our guests expressed heartfelt enthusiasm and many echoed blessings for our donors.
The Over-The-Rhine Kitchen was honored as a Champion of Mercy by Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio, who referred to the work of the Kitchen as “humbling” and “inspiring.” The mission of the Kitchens and Pantry is consistent with Catholic Charities’ focus on engaging our community to see God’s love for the poor; serving and inviting the community to serve the poor; and empowering the community so all God’s children rise from spiritual and material poverty.
The Kitchens and Pantry maintained our accredited charity status with the Better Business Bureau through meeting or exceeding the BBB Wise Giving Alliance standards in governance, finances, fundraising practices, website disclosures, and donor privacy.
Thank you for continuing to join us in the fight against hunger in our community – one person at a time.
Here are some photos of volunteers who worked the recent OTR Soup Kitchen:
“Feed our Neighbors” Drive Makes Big Impact
The 5thAnnual Faith Alliance “Feed our Neighbors in Need” Food Drivesurpassed its goal of 25,000 pounds and collected more than 26,300 pounds of food to feed our hungry neighbors.
17 local congregations participated during one weekend in March. We donated to 11 different food pantries in Butler, Warren and Hamilton Counties. The impact of this collaborative event is estimated to have provided enough to feed 630 people over 6 weeks for an estimated 52,920 meals.
Over 5 years, this effort has collected nearly 126,000 pounds of food for those in need. Faith Alliance thanks God for the many volunteers & donors, including Kroger, who made this event such a success.
CCC FOOD PANTRY Our Food Pantry is full! All credit goes to the overwhelming response of our congregation to the “Feed Our Neighbors in Need” Food Drive, March 4-5. We now have a problem of storage–a new but great problem–and are using around-the-wall space in the Pantry to store food items because all shelves and bins are full. Hours for distribution of boxes have expanded to include Thursdays as well as Tuesdays, but with our current amount of food we should have an adequate supply for some time.
Many, many thanks to all who contributed to our rich bounty!
~ Ruth and Marlene
Mothers Day Blankets
Members Corner:
REGIONAL LISTENING CONFERENCE
Monday, May 8, 2017 @ 12:00pm
Carthage Christian Church in Cincinnati
The Christian Church in Ohio is holding several Listening Conferences around the Region. These conferences are in conjunction with the District Clergy gatherings, but are open to lay persons as well. If you wish to attend the one at Carthage CC, no need to register ~ just show up!
for more information see the Waypoints section.
New Storage Barn at CCC
In March, the New Construction Team (Bill A., Bob P., Don P., Lindsay B., & Steve Se.) acquired the necessary materials, constructed the foundation, and arranged placement of the new Board-approved, 24′ x 12′ Amish-constructed storage barn.
In addition to its 12′ x 24′ floor area, the barn has two lofts where infrequently used but necessary items can be stored (i.e. Christmas & Live Nativity materials, Vacation Bible School props, etc.). The extra space allows us to remove clutter from our sanctuary and eliminate overcrowding of existing storage rooms where vacated shelving can be organized for easy access and more efficient usage.
Since the Property Team requires more space than they had in the existing shed, the new barn has two doors , one on either end, and the Property Team will use an 8′ x 12′ space on the west end for tools, lawn mower, etc. A partition will separate these items from the clean 12′ x 16′ storage area.
THANK YOU, CCC CONGREGATION, for your Capital Pledges which make new capital improvements possible!
PRAYERS FOR THE MONTH OF MAY
Local
For a solution to the heroin epidemic destroying lives and families.
National
That all the people of this country learn to live as one nation with everyone’s best interests at heart.
Global
That a spirit of world tolerance instead of world domination be instilled in everyone’s heart.
Waypoints – Disciples News:
In the past weeks we’ve been praying for our Regional Church at Regional Moderator (RM) Tom Stephenson’s request. Rev. Dr. Bill Edwards retired as Regional Pastor & President effective March 24. That retirement was accepted March 25 at the Regional Church Council (RCC) meeting.
At that meeting thirty-four pastors, in or connected to the OH region, composed and sent a number of letters requesting an investigation into allegations both personal and financial. Those allegations were of unethical personal behavior and the misdirection and/or misuse of designated funds. The content of those letters was shared, and the RCC’s response was compassionate and prayerful.
Rev. Stephen Bentley is our sole Acting Regional Minister (¾ time Regional & ¼ time General). The RM is working with General Minister and President Sharon Watkins to find an Intentional Interim from outside of Ohio to address issues of concern.
The RCC is being advised by legal counsel. The RCC, recusing those with conflicts of interest and with close oversight from the General Church, will investigate allegations of unethical personal behavior. The RCC’s Finance Committee is soliciting bids from a number of audit firms to do a full and independent audit, a forensic audit to establish whether the Region’s fiduciary interest was served, and whether new policies and procedures are needed to restore fiscal trust.
On April 4 the RM sent a letter to all Ohio clergy inviting them and laity to a series of listening sessions where these issues of concern will be discussed. Carthage Christian Church will be hosting this area’s listening session on Monday, May 8 at noon. If you’re unable to participate, you may email or call Revs. Bentley or Stephenson.
The Region is currently running an $84,000 deficit in the operating budget; it became necessary to redirect funds to meet the operating budget. I quote from that letter, “We are experiencing a time of great financial uncertainty. I am asking each congregation as well as individual donors to consider a sacrificial gift to the Leadership Fund of the Christian Church in Ohio.” Such gifts would close the deficit and prevent funds from being redirected in the future. Please remember that the Region’s financial challenges do not impact our congregation directly.
Besides the financial and ethical areas of concern and prayer, please keep Regional and General leadership in prayer. The RCC needs your prayers as many representatives are new and tasked with responsibilities incurred by their predecessors. It has taken great courage for them to remain and work toward corrective action where healing can begin and a broken system be mended.
While prayers for courage, wisdom, and endurance are still very much needed, it is important to be transparent about what has occurred. To that end, I have called an informational meeting for Sunday, May 7th immediately following worship. I will be sharing further information from the Regional Council’s March 25 minutes, reports, and financial documents made public by the RM on April 13. At that meeting I hope to answer as many questions as possible.
Pastor Troy
REGIONAL WEB SITES
You can learn more about each regional ministry by visiting their web site:
P: From Jerusalem outwards the shadow of death hovered.
L: Yet even at the moment of his death the tombs of the saints were opened.
P: They were raised and entered the holy city and appeared to many.
L: Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets sent to it!
P: Yet on this day the prophet Jesus from Nazareth of Galilee was raised from death! (light Christ candle)
L: On this day an angel of the Lord rolled back the stone!
P: And the soldiers guarding his tomb were terrified and became like dead men!
L: On this day he appeared first to Mary Magdalene in the garden!
P: On this day Peter and John saw the linen wrappings in the tomb!
L: On this day he told the women that his disciples would see him in Galilee!
P: On this day those women took hold of his feet and worshiped him!
L: On this day he walked with two disciples leaving Jerusalem for Emmaus!
P: On this day he broke bread and shared broiled fish with his friends!
L: On this day he appeared to the disciples in the upper room and showed them his hands, feet, and side!
P: On this day he appeared to his brother James, and more than 500 brothers and sisters!
L: On this day, the good and great news of Jesus’ resurrection:
P: Of the Light of the World’s triumph over the grave,
L: Of the Lord of Mercy’s victory over sin,
P: Of the Lord of Life’s conquest over death,
L: On this day that message has gone out from Jerusalem to Judea,
P: And from Judea to Samaria, and from Samaria to the ends of the earth!
L: Christ is risen! Allelulia!
P: Christ is risen, indeed! Alleluia, Alleluia, Amen!
L: Let us sing, “Alleluia! Sing to Jesus”
Scripture(John 11:17-44)
Our reading comes from the good news according to John.
17When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. 18Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away,
19and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother.
20When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home.
21Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.
22But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.”
23Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”
24Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.”
25Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live,
26and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
27She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.”
28When she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary, and told her privately, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.”
29And when she heard it, she got up quickly and went to him.
30Now Jesus had not yet come to the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him.
31The Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary get up quickly and go out. They followed her because they thought that she was going to the tomb to weep there. 32When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
33When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved.
34He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.”
35Jesus began to weep.
36So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”
37But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”
38Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it.
39Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead four days.”
40Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”
41So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upward and said, “Father, I thank you for having heard me.
42I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.”
43When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”
44The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”
Here ends our reading. May God bless our understanding.
Copyrighted by Rev. Troy Sybrant Sermon: “Arise, Lazarus” (John 11:17-44) Easter Sunday April 16, 2017
“Arise, Lazarus”
Sermon Video :
Sermon Slides and Concerns and Celebrations:
Song Played at End of Sermon: Evanescence – Wake Me Up Inside (Bring Me To Life) W/ Lyrics
