March 16, 2022

Community Healing Service on Wednesday March 23^rd

The Affirm Coalition of Churches is hosting a Community Healing   Service on Wednesday, March 23, at 7 pm at Zion Lutheran Church, 211 South Front Street, in Hamilton Ohio.  

We understand the church has not always been a place that truly includes ALL and for that we ask forgiveness. To those who have felt excluded by a faith community or elsewhere, we extend a particular welcome in Christ’s love.  

We believe God’s love is a gift to all people, to be shared unconditionally, without regard to age, race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family configuration or relationship status, socio-economic status, mental health status, or physical or mental abilities.    

Four area church denominations and the YWCA of Hamilton will join together to bring people of different backgrounds together to share experiences, discussions, prayer, and music.

The Healing Service will seek to be an affirming voice in a sea of divisive and demeaning voices, gather together to share stories, receive both healing and forgiveness, and build a more affirming and safer network of places to heal and be loved no matter who you are.    The service will be in both English and Spanish and will end with the YWCA talking about its new effort to educate and lead people from hate.  The service will be streamed through Facebook Live on Zion’s Facebook page.  All are welcome no matter what denomination or faith background.

Nominations
The Nominating Committee has been formed to fill the officers of the church and positions in committees.  Do you have an interest in a certain field such as youth, yard work, worship service, keeping the building in repair or even a leadership office?  Please contact one of the committee members or Lindsay B, the chair for the Year June 1 2022 thru May 31, 2023.

Committee: Lindsay B., Kathy Z., Julie C., Lyle D., Pastor Beckie Linn

 Our Journey through the Bible Mural
Our Journey through the Bible Mural has served the church by that journey being put in a visual picture. Many were involved in the artistic endeavor.  We are in need of repairs behind the walls and we need to move forward as a church body.  The mural has been digitally photographed and will be transferred to canvas for a more permanent placement for all to see. This decision was not made lightly, but has full board approval.  Any questions, please contact Lyle D.

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From the pen of Pastor Beckie Linn…

Hello Church!  Today I want to finish up the information I have been sharing with you from the longer article entitled “Ministry Post-Pandemic Checklist: A Pause in the Dissonance” written by Gilberto Collazo, President of Disciples Church Extension Fund (DCEF) and Lead for Hope Partnership Services. Not only is this excellent advice for us “post-pandemic,” I believe it is absolutely the perfect advice for us in this time of transition together.  Let’s continue to hear what he has to say!

In February, we heard how to Use this time to reclaim our foundational purpose and how to use this time to re-evaluate our ministry’s focus and motivation.

Last month, we were challenged to use this time for ministry pruning, to use this time to pivot toward a more intentional focus on community engagement, and to use this time to consider how best to physically reengage with our congregation and community when the time comes.

And finally, Gilberto calls us to…

Use this time to strategize on how to integrate virtual methodology into our ministry outreach beyond this pandemic.

Is this the time to create long-term virtual small groups alongside face-to-face groups? Could you grow your platform so workshops and training sessions are offered for both church and community? Could your congregation become the conduit for workshops offered by other ministries or organizations? No need to reinvent the wheel, if it already exists!

Use this time to build intentional models of self-care and spiritual growth for pastors and congregational leaders.

Do you remember Pareto’s 80/20 rule? It states that 20% of the group does 80% of the work. Some might claim that percentage is even smaller. Yet, truth be told, there is an expectation that pastors and leaders be the main laborers when it comes to church work. A paradigm shift toward a more equitable distribution of your congregation’s ministry works toward the health and well-being of all. Along with this, however, we need to develop more intentional cultures of self-care and spiritual growth for everyone in our congregations, including pastors, leaders and members.

Nobody can speculate what our new normal will look like with complete certainty. The church has already proven its resilience in ways many did not think possible. But, if we are to remain the voice that cries out in the wilderness preparing the way of the Lord, we must use this time of pause and create new expressions of holy harmony. These will allow us to be a powerful, transformational witness in our community and unto the ends of the earth. May we use this time of pause wisely, so we can continue to be salt and light, hope and life in the midst of trying times. And with that, we can all say, “Amen.”  Blessings!

In Christ’s love,

Pastor Beckie Linn

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Children’s Moment for All Ages

 In the season of Lent, we prepare for the miracle of Easter.  In Jesus’ lifetime on earth, He performed more than 35 miracles.   Many were in His last year of His life.   Read about how Jesus raised Lazarus in John 11: 11-41, how Jesus heals Bartimaeus in Luke 18:35-43, and even when He was being arrested, He healed the servant’s ear in Luke 22: 50-51.  These miracles all lead up to the biggest miracle of all that we celebrate on Easter – the empty tomb because Jesus was raised from the dead.   What kind of miracles and wonders is Jesus working in your life?   Take time this week to notice the wonders that are happening in your life every day.   Take time to give thanks for each one, and especially for Jesus giving His life for us!   Listen to “Wonder Working” by All Creatures – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYZcsHBAUsU.

Christian Education Announcements

 VBS 2022 will be a Family and Friends night this summer!   Watch for information coming on planning sessions and volunteers needed!  If you would like to help out in any way, please contact Carol Yarborough.

Summer Camp & Conference Registration 2022 Now Open!

The Camp Christian Summer 2022 Camp and Conference registration forms and information are now available through our website.  They are all available for download in one place on the Summer Forms, Downloads, and Links page. They can all also be accessed through each of the Ministry’s web pages and on each of the corresponding dates on the Regional Calendar. Please feel free to post and share this information with as many people as possible.

As with last summer, there is a Covid-19 Policy that will be updated as health recommendations change. The Camp Christian Committee and Christian Church in Ohio Staff are working closely with the Union County Health Department on this policy. The policy can be viewed HERE.

Each Congregation will also receive a packet of hard copies of the forms and information in the mail over the next week or so.  We just wanted to be sure you knew where to access them online in the meantime.  We are looking forward to having another wonderful summer at Camp Christian!!

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WORSHIP AND STUDY OPPORTUNITIES FOR LENT & EASTER

Our theme for Lent this year has been – At the – Crossroads, such an appropriate theme for a church in transition!! There are many opportunities for worship and study throughout the season.  Below are some dates and times to mark on your calendars now.  You will not want to miss a moment of this special time!

Bible Study ~ offered twice weekly (the same study at each to best fit your schedule)

            Wednesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. ~ followed by a light soup/bread lunch (open to all, not just the ladies!)                          Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m. ~ a light soup/bread supper offered before

April 10           Palm Sunday – 10:30 a.m.
April 14           Maundy Thursday – 7:00 p.m.
April 15           Good Friday – 7:00 p.m.
April 17           Sunrise Service – 7:00 a.m.
                        Easter Breakfast – 8:00 a.m.
                        Resurrection Sunday Service – 10:30 a.m.

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April 10^th and 17^th

Several times a year, congregations receive a special offering to support the ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). These gifts are given above and beyond the regular core support of Disciples Mission Fund.

The Easter Offering, received by most congregations on April 10 & 17, 2022, supports several of the general ministries of the Christian Church. Your gift supports college students in leadership development programs, global mission partners, health and social service ministries, the formation of new congregations, support for pastors and chaplains, and so much more. 

More information, including worship materials, available at https://disciplesmissionfund.org/special-offerings/easter/

Easter Flowers

Worship Committee will place order sheets out on March 27, April 3 and April 10 for flowers.  The cost will be $10 each.  They will be placed around the worship area on Easter Sunday.

 

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OUTREACH

Stepping Forward Dinner

Watch our weekly email for details from Ed V. on our next Stepping Forward Dinner on 3/29/2022.

 

With Grateful Thanks to Compass Christian Church
Feed Our Neighbors in Need

Thank you for spreading God’s love with generous purchases of much needed food, necessary items, and delivering to our building.  In addition, many offered to stay after worship to sort, weigh, and deliver to local Food Pantries.
Record of weight in pounds:
2020 = 471    2021 = 524    2022 = 1,143

Ukraine Outreach

Anna was very appreciative of the love shown to the Ukraine people.  The outreach has filled up one truck and it is on its way.  Our donations will be going in the next truck, it took three cars to deliver to the Resource Center!  They then will get them shipped over to the Ukraine.  Thank you for your generosity.

April Prayers

LOCAL: We pray for greater tolerance in our community.  We pray that we may be more understanding of “The Other” and more accepting of people who are different from us.

NATIONAL: We turn to God for guidance as we wrestle as a nation with those things that divide us that we see in the news daily.  And yet we have so many more ways in which we are alike as God’s creatures here

GLOBAL: We come to God in prayer to shield the innocent, to lead many out of harm’s way, and to give peace in this time that our world sorely needs and desires. 

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Save The Date: Regional Assembly Saturday September 24th
Our biennial Regional Assembly will be on Saturday, September 24 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will be a completely different format and flavor!  We are hosting “A Family Reunion” at Camp Christian that day and we will have games and fellowship activities in addition to a little bit of business and the celebration of our ministries these past two years.  All of our Christian Church in Ohio members, family, and friends are welcome to attend!  More information to come!

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Weed Control
Yes, it is that time of the year again.  The weeds are already peaking through the rocks.  Do you have a half hour one evening or a couple of hours on Saturday?  We can plan a work day or you can work as a family at your schedule.  Please let the office know if you may be able to help.   We would like to have the beds around the entryways all cleaned up for Easter. 

Office Change

Pastor Beckie Linn will be on vacation after Easter.  With all the services around Easter and her vacation, we will keep you informed by the weekly emails and will not have a monthly newsletter in April.

Welcome to Our Newest Members  

Cheryl McKee who joined us in January and Brandon Franklin who joined us in March.  Welcome, Friends.  More information about each of these wonderful folks will be coming soon!

 

 

Upcoming Church Life Events
March 29         Stepping Forward Dinner
April 5             Elders Meeting – 7:00 p.m.
April 10           Palm Sunday   – 10:30 a.m.
April 12           MLT Meeting – 7:00 p.m.
                        Board Meeting – 8:00 p.m.
April 14           Maundy Thursday – 7:00 p.m.
April 15           Good Friday – 7:00 p.m.
April 17           Happy Easter

 

 

 Second Sunday in Lent: Judgment

March 13, 2022

Gathering as God’s People

Welcome

Oh, that the Lord would guide my ways 

Oh, that the Lord would guide my ways to keep his statutes still!

Oh, that my God would grant me grace to know and do his will!

Order my footsteps by your Word and make my heart sincere;

Let sin have no dominion, Lord, but keep my conscience clear.

Make me to walk in your commands, a most delightful road;

Nor let my head or heart or hands offend against my God.

 

Opening Response

One        The works of God’s hands are faithful and just;

Many     All of God’s precepts are trustworthy;

One        God sent redemption to the people;

Many     God has commanded a covenant forever.

One        Holy and awesome is God’s name!

Many     The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

One        For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit.

Many     Therefore we give glory to God who raised him up and gave us the promise of salvation.

 

Confession and Absolution

All          God of wisdom and grace, we come to you confessing our brokenness. We often intend to choose the right way, to follow your leading, to make righteous judgments, but we find no power in ourselves to do what you command. We falter and fall; we go our own way; we make judgments based on our whims; we trample others in our stubbornness. Forgive us, Lord. We know that without you we cannot be what we are called to be or do what we are called to accomplish by your power. Strengthen us and equip us to see the right way, to follow Jesus’ lead, to take up the cross and follow.

Pastor     In mercy, God has promised forgiveness for all of your sins. You can rejoice, your sins are forgiven in Jesus Christ and you are wrapped in God’s forgiving love forever. Amen.

 

Listening for God’s Word

Children’s Moment

Sharing of Joys and Concerns

My Faith Looks Up to Thee 

My faith looks up to thee, thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray; take all my guilt away;
oh, let me from this day be wholly thine.

While life’s dark maze I tread, and griefs around me spread,
be thou my guide;
bid darkness turn to day, wipe sorrow’s tears away,
nor let me ever stray from thee aside.

Bidding Prayers

Each time the Pastor says, “In your mercy:”
Please respond, “hear us, Lord.”

 

The Lord’s Prayer

Old Testament Reading … Joshua 24:14-15

¹⁴‘Now therefore revere the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness; put away the gods that your ancestors served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. ¹⁵Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.’

Epistle Reading … Hebrews 4:14-16

¹⁴Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. ¹⁵For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Gospel Reading … Matthew 27:11-26

¹¹Now Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked him, ‘Are you the King of the Jews?’ Jesus said, ‘You say so.’ ¹²But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he did not answer. ¹³Then Pilate said to him, ‘Do you not hear how many accusations they make against you?’ ¹⁴But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.

¹⁵Now at the festival the governor was accustomed to release a prisoner for the crowd, anyone whom they wanted. ¹⁶At that time they had a notorious prisoner, called Jesus Barabbas. ¹⁷So after they had gathered, Pilate said to them, ‘Whom do you want me to release for you, Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Messiah?’ ¹⁸For he realized that it was out of jealousy that they had handed him over. ¹⁹While he was sitting on the judgement seat, his wife sent word to him, ‘Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for today I have suffered a great deal because of a dream about him.’ ²⁰Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus killed. ²¹The governor again said to them, ‘Which of the two do you want me to release for you?’ And they said, ‘Barabbas.’ ²²Pilate said to them, ‘Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?’ All of them said, ‘Let him be crucified!’ ²³Then he asked, ‘Why, what evil has he done?’ But they shouted all the more, ‘Let him be crucified!’

²⁴So when Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took some water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.’ ²⁵Then the people as a whole answered, ‘His blood be on us and on our children!’ ²⁶So he released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.

Sermon Dialogue with Pontius Pilate

Receiving God’s Gifts

Invitation to Faith

In Christ Alone 

In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song;
This Cornerstone, this solid Ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All, here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone! – who took on flesh, fullness of God in helpless babe.
This gift of love and righteousness, scorned by the ones He came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died, the wrath of God was satisfied –
For every sin on Him was laid; here in the death of Christ I live.

Invitation to the Table

Words of Institution

Communion Prayer

Invitation to Offering

Offertory Prayer

Sending God’s People

Church Life Events

Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah 

Guide me, O thou great Jehovah, pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but thou art mighty; hold me with thy powerful hand.
bread of heaven, bread of heaven, feed me till I want no more;
feed me till I want no more.

Blessing

CCLI #539367/CVLI #50396

Second Sunday of Lent

This Sunday ~

Judgement

 

 

Join us for At the Crossroads, a special series of services for the season of Lent. Each service in the series reveals in some way how Christ and his cross lead us to decide the path of God’s will in our many crossroads in life. In Week Two in the series, Pontius Pilate is called upon by the crowds to make a judgment call about Jesus, and his decision not to decide results in the death of Christ. We look to the cross of Christ as we make definitive judgment calls in our lives. The service includes readings from Scripture, a children’s sermon, a sermon dialog with Pilate and hymns that help us come to the crossroads of judgment ready to be guided by divine wisdom.

 

 

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Lent Bible Study

Will be offered twice weekly (the same study at each to best fit your schedule)

Wednesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. ~ followed by a light soup/bread lunch (open to all, not just the ladies!)

Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m. ~ a light soup/bread supper offered before

Lent Worship Opportunities ~ Special evening services as well as each Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m.

Ash Wednesday ~ 7:00 p.m.

Palm Sunday ~ 10:30 a.m.

Maundy Thursday ~ 7:00 p.m.

Good Friday ~ District 12 ~ TBA

Easter Sunrise Service ~ TBA

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In Person AND Zoom Worship

Sunday, March 13 @ 10:30 a.m.

 

Please join us in person or join the livestreaming session via the ZOOM link further down in this document.  You will be able to find the YouTube version later in the week at our website.

 

CCC is inviting you to join our worship service.

Topic: CCC’s Zoom Meeting
Time: Mar 13, 2022 10:15 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86940593054?pwd=dXdBdFpxWU00S09wR2VXQkFBZGZwdz09

Meeting ID: 869 4059 3054
Passcode: 756837
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,86940593054#,,,,*756837# US (Chicago)
+16465588656,,86940593054#,,,,*756837# US (New York)

Dial by your location
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+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 869 4059 3054
Passcode: 756837
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcaqylCh6y

Second Sunday in Lent: Judgement

• Joshua 24:14-15; Hebrews 4:14-16; Matthew 27:11-26

• This Sunday’s prayer list: CLICK HERE to SEE PRAYER LIST

See bottom for worship materials title “Sermon Worship Materials for 3/13/22”

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Community Healing Service on Wednesday March 23^rd

The Affirm Coalition of Churches is hosting a Community Healing Service on Wednesday, March 23, at 7 pm at Zion Lutheran Church, 211 South Front Street, in Hamilton Ohio.

We understand the church has not always been a place that truly includes ALL and for that we ask forgiveness. To those who have felt excluded by a faith community or elsewhere, we extend a particular welcome in Christ’s love.

We believe God’s love is a gift to all people, to be shared unconditionally, without regard to age, race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family configuration or relationship status, socio-economic status, mental health status, or physical or mental abilities.

Four area church denominations and the YWCA of Hamilton will join together to bring people of different backgrounds together to share experiences, discussions, prayer, and music.

The Healing Service will seek to be an affirming voice in a sea of divisive and demeaning voices, gather together to share stories, receive both healing and forgiveness, and build a more affirming and safe network of places to heal and be loved no matter who you are.

The service will be in both English and Spanish and will end with the YWCA talking about its new effort to educate and lead people from hate.  The service will be streamed through Facebook Live on Zion’s Facebook page.  All are welcome no matter what denomination or faith background.

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Lent Devotions are here

 

We still have a few devotionals left.  If you wish one to be mailed to you, please

contact the office.

 

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March 13, 2002

Spring Forward

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WITH GRATEFUL THANKS

to Compass Christian Church

FEED OUR NEIGHBORS IN NEED

Thank you for spreading God’s love with generous purchases of much needed food, necessary items, and delivering to our building.  In addition, many offered to stay after worship to sort, weigh, and deliver to local Food Pantries.

Record of weight in pounds:

2020 = 471    2021 = 524    2022 = 1,143

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Ways to help Anna’s family and others in the Ukraine.  She volunteer

Ukraine Outreach

s with a local outreach to the Ukraine in Loveland.  They are in urgent need of powder formula, diapers and toilet paper.  You may bring these items to church during office hours and Anna will pick them up for delivery to the local group. They then will get them shipped over to the Ukraine.  Thank you for your generosity.

Three Ways to Give: You may give by writing a check and mailing it to the office or leaving it in the offering plate while here.  Or you may go online https://compassc.org/donate/ and follow the DONATE instructions.   Thank you for your generous gifts.

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First Sunday of Lent

This Sunday ~ Betrayal

Join us for At the Crossroads, a special series of services for the season of Lent. Each service in the series reveals in some way how Christ and his cross lead us to decide the path of God’s will in our many crossroads in life. In Week One in the series, Judas Iscariot comes to the point where he must either listen to Jesus or listen to the devil and he chooses to betray Jesus. When we are tempted by Satan to betray our Lord, we gain strength from our Savior to say, “No” to the devil. The service includes readings from Scripture, a children’s sermon, a sermon dialog with Judas and hymns that help us avoid the crossroads of betrayal.

 

Lent Bible Study ~ Starting March 2^nd

Will be offered twice weekly (the same study at each to best fit your schedule)

Wednesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. ~ followed by a light soup/bread lunch (open to all, not just the ladies!)

Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m. ~ a light soup/bread supper offered before

Lent Worship Opportunities ~ Special evening services as well as each Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m.

Ash Wednesday ~ 7:00 p.m.

Palm Sunday ~ 10:30 a.m.

Maundy Thursday ~ 7:00 p.m.

Good Friday ~ District 12 ~ TBA

Easter Sunrise Service ~ TBA

 

  

Lent Devotions are here

We still have a few devotionals left.  If you wish one to be mailed to you, please contact the office.

 

 

Don’t Forget our

 Feed Our Neigbor Food Drive

March 6^th

Fill up the bag with can goods, diapers, toilet paper, laundry soap and cleaning supplies;call the office for a list if you didn’t grab a grocery bag to fill.

 

   From the pen of Pastor Beckie Linn…

 

Lent is an intensely penitential time as we examine our sinful natures and return to the God whom we have, through our own rebelliousness, hurt time and again. Lent is also an opportunity to contemplate what our Lord really did for us on the Cross – and it wasn’t pretty. But ultimately, the purpose of Lent does not stop at sadness and despair – it points us to the hope of the Resurrection and the day when every tear will be dried (Rev. 21:4).

This year, as with Advent, Lent may look a little different here at Compass.  We will not be rushing Easter or even celebrating Spring just yet.  Our worship experiences and even our surroundings will be simpler, more introspective, quiet and even dark at times.  Through this special journey, we will be all the more ready to celebrate our Risen Lord!! I do hope you experience it with us. Blessings.

In Person AND Zoom Worship

Sunday, March 6 @ 10:30 a.m.

 

Please join us in person or join the livestreaming session via the ZOOM link further down in this document.  You will be able to find the YouTube version later in the week at our website.

 

CCC is inviting you to join our worship service.

Topic: CCC’s Zoom Meeting
Time: Mar 6, 2022 10:15 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89149620334?pwd=UE9SSVVxZUU0eXY2eVkwWGpFNzN4Zz09

Meeting ID: 891 4962 0334
Passcode: 824375
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,89149620334#,,,,*824375# US (New York)
+13017158592,,89149620334#,,,,*824375# US (Washington DC)

Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 891 4962 0334
Passcode: 824375
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcfTFsjmEP

 

• First Sunday in Lent: Betrayal
• Isaiah 33:13-16; I Peter 2:9-10; John 13:21-30

• This Sunday’s prayer list: https://www.dropbox.com/s/fivbcho72035u6a/Sunday%20Prayers%200306.pdf?dl=0
• See attachment for Call to Worship, scripture, and songs

 

Note from the Mattern Family

 

Dear Compass Church Family,

 

Your thoughts, prayers, cards and remembrances during the loss of Mom, Frances Early, have been a great comfort to us.  She felt so welcomed by all of you, but was especially happy to renew some old friendships. Although we miss her dearly, we know she is happy and safe now.

 

Several of you have asked when we will return to in, person worship with you.  We are being extra cautious since Perry had heart by-pass surgery in December.  Once he is fully released from doctor’s care, we will adjust our interactions.  Of course, this all depends on Covid restrictions.

 

We are very grateful for your care & compassion for our family.

 

God Bless you all and thank you

Perry & Maureen

 

Rearranging Our Space

Monday, March 7, 2022

7:00 p.m.

All hands on deck!  We are going to begin moving our stuff around to make better use of the space in our building.  This Monday evening, we will begin with the nursery.  If you can help (no heavy lifting involved), please join us.  Thank you!!

 

March 13, 2002

Spring Forward

 

 Three Ways to Give: You may give by writing a check and mailing it to the office or leaving it in the offering plate while here.  Or you may go online https://compassc.org/donate/ and follow the DONATE instructions.   Thank you for your generous gifts.

 

Sunday March 6, 2022:

First Sunday in Lent: Betrayal

March 6, 2022

Gathering as God’s People

Welcome

Glory Be to Jesus

Glory be to Jesus, who in bitter pains

Poured for me the lifeblood from his sacred veins!

Grace and life eternal in that blood I find;

Blest be his compassion, infinitely kind!

Opening Response

One:      I love the Lord, for the Lord heard my voice; and heard my cry for mercy.

All:       Because the Lord turned an ear to me, I will call on the Lord as long as I live.

One:      I have chosen the way of faithfulness;

All:       I set your rules before me.

One:      I cling to your testimonies, O Lord;

All:       let me not be put to shame!

One:      For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit.

All:       Therefore, we give glory to God who raised him up and gave us the promise of salvation. Amen.

Confession and Absolution

All:         Lord of all mercy, we come to you with bowed heads and bended knees seeking your pardon. We confess that we have turned away from the Savior in thought, word and deed. We have sought our own way, forgotten his sacrifice for us, chosen the easy way at the crossroads of betrayal. Forgive us, Lord. Strengthen our faith, confirm our commitment to Jesus’ way, empower us by the Spirit to live the life of faithful witness to your love for us in Jesus Christ.

Pastor:    At the command of the Savior who offered himself for us, I announce to you the full and free forgiveness of all of your sins. May the peace of Christ dwell in your hearts and fill your lives.

Listening for God’s Word

Children’s Moment

Sharing of Joys and Concerns

Take My Life and Let It Be

Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee.

Take my moments and my days; let them flow in endless praise.

Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of thy love.

Take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for thee.

Take my love; my Lord, I pour at thy feet its treasure store.

Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for thee.

Bidding Prayers

Each time the Pastor says, “In your mercy:”

Please respond, “hear us, Lord.”

The Lord’s Prayer

Old Testament Reading … Isaiah 33:13-16

¹³ Hear, you who are far away, what I have done;
and you who are near, acknowledge my might.
¹⁴ The sinners in Zion are afraid;
trembling has seized the godless:
‘Who among us can live with the devouring fire?
Who among us can live with everlasting flames?’
¹⁵ Those who walk righteously and speak uprightly,
who despise the gain of oppression,
who wave away a bribe instead of accepting it,
who stop their ears from hearing of bloodshed
and shut their eyes from looking on evil,
¹⁶ they will live on the heights;
their refuge will be the fortresses of rocks;
their food will be supplied, their water assured.

 

Epistle Reading … 1 Peter 2:9-10

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
¹⁰ Once you were not a people,
but now you are God’s people;
once you had not received mercy,
but now you have received mercy.

 

Gospel Reading … John 13:21-30

21 After saying this Jesus was troubled in spirit, and declared, ‘Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me.’ ²²The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he was speaking. ²³One of his disciples—the one whom Jesus loved—was reclining next to him; ²⁴Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. ²⁵So while reclining next to Jesus, he asked him, ‘Lord, who is it?’ ²⁶Jesus answered, ‘It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.’ So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. ²⁷After he received the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, ‘Do quickly what you are going to do.’ ²⁸Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. ²⁹Some thought that, because Judas had the common purse, Jesus was telling him, ‘Buy what we need for the festival’; or, that he should give something to the poor. ³⁰So, after receiving the piece of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.

 

Sermon Dialogue with Judas

Receiving God’s Gifts

Invitation to Faith

Chief of Sinners Though I Be

Chief of sinners though I be, Jesus shed his blood for me,

Died that I might live on high, lived that I might never die.

As the branch is to the vine, I am his, and he is mine.

Oh, the height of Jesus’ love! Higher than the heavens above,

Deeper than the depths of sea, lasting as eternity.

Love that found me—wondrous thought! —Found me when I sought him not.

Invitation to the Table

Words of Institution

Communion Prayer

Invitation to Offering

Offertory Prayer

Sending God’s People

Church Life Events

Through It All

Through it all, through it all, I’ve learned to trust is Jesus. I’ve learned to trust in God.

Through it all, through it all, I’ve learned to depend upon God’s word. (Repeat)

Blessing

 

February 16, 2022

Volume XLIII, Number  2

 

 

Seventh Sunday after Epiphany

Revealed New Expectations

This Sunday, February 20^th   

Jesus’ instructions continue in Luke 6:27-38, picking up from the teachings of last week’s lesson to the crowd and the disciples. Jesus instructs the disciples on how they ought to live in God’s ways of love, which include loving one’s enemies. Walter Wink has famously argued that Jesus is teaching nonviolent resistance—not a passive accepting of abuse, but an active resistance that would embarrass and force the one committing the wrong to recognize the humanity of the victim. Loving those who love us is the easy part, Jesus argues, but loving those who do not love us is much more difficult, because it is how God loves all people, even those who do not love God. Instead, seek the humanity of others. It goes beyond treating others how you want to be treated, but rather, treating others the way God treats us all.

Please plan to join us each week in-person or on-line for this special Epiphany Series entitled The Holy: Revealed.

Transfiguration Sunday

Sunday, February 27^th ~ Revealed Transformation

 

Week of Compassion

Special Offering ~ Love Remains

February 20^th & 27^th

 

 

Week of Compassion is the relief, refugee, and development mission fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Your gifts to Week of Compassion bring hope out of despair, find blessings amid devastation, and help transform loss into new life. Your contributions bring tangible relief and change the course of lives. When you give, you help rebuild communities recovering from disaster. You also empower farmers to grow new kinds of crops in a changing climate; you support refugees; you empower youth through education, and empower women through vocational opportunities. In so many different ways, your gifts of love have the power to transform lives. Love is shelter. Love is a listening ear. Love is community. Love is a hopeful future. Love is a path forward. When all else seems lost, love remains. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. — 1 Cor. 13:13

 

               From the pen of Pastor Beckie Linn…

Hello Church!  Today I want to continue to share with you excerpts from the longer article entitled “Ministry Post-Pandemic Checklist: A Pause in the Dissonance” written by Gilberto Collazo, President of Disciples Church Extension Fund (DCEF) and Lead for Hope Partnership Services. Not only is this excellent advice for us “post-pandemic,” I believe it is absolutely the perfect advice for us in this time of transition together.  Let’s continue to hear what he has to say!

Last month we heard how to Use this time to reclaim our foundational purpose and how to Use this time to re-evaluate our ministry’s focus and motivation.

This month we hear…

Use this time for ministry pruning.

Any gardener knows the importance and advisability of pruning. An effective pruning presages healthy growth and abundant fruit. What needs to be put to rest in our church work? Which of your current ministries need to be celebrated and brought to an end? This will allow for greater focus on current, effective activity and open your space for the new things that could emerge during these challenging times.

Use this time to pivot toward a more intentional focus on community engagement.

What a time to train and empower your members to become ministers unto each other, and onto those in the communities that surround us. Equipping the saints, offering the tools and encouraging them to embrace active ministry will give our churches a new level of community relevance. We already have developed the engagement methods via social media platforms. Why not use them for this?

Use this time to consider how best to physically reengage with your congregation and community when the time comes.

While virtual engagement has, in some cases, allowed us to expand our number of worshippers beyond our congregations, what strategies will win them over in the physical world? How do we continue to live for the time being in a ‘both/and’ world of digital and in-person worship?

And with that, we will pause again until next month.  Blessings!

In Christ’s love,

Pastor Beckie Linn

Children’s Moment for All Ages

Pastor Beckie Linn’s sermon was about Jesus selecting his Disciples.   Read about it In Luke 5: 1-11.  Jesus did not pick priests, teachers, and Pharisees like you would think.  He chose everyday fisherman, he made friends out of Tax Collectors, and he spoke to women that were not from the same place He was from.   Jesus really saw or noticed or thought about all people.  He chose them to be His friends and Disciples.   Shouldn’t we do the same?  All around us we hear people wanting to be noticed and valued.  Take a step and be revolutionary – talk to someone and let them know you see them – just like Jesus!    Listen to a song I have shared before – Revolutionary by Josh Wilson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5cPQg3oq-o&list=RD6glQdaQUZ1U&start_radio=1

Christian Education Announcements

• We would like to invite anyone who would like to join us for worship in the Worship and Wonder room right after Children’s Sermon.   Come see how the children hear one of God’s stories and worship!
• Plans for VBS and/or a summer Friends and Family Night will begin soon.  Watch for future announcements and plan to join one of our planning sessions.  Dates TBA

Building Space Task Force Progress

The building space task force and general board continue to progress with plans to optimize the way we use the spaces available in our building to best fulfill our mission activities.  As we work to remove the modular from the church campus, we need to be more efficient with the available space in the building, and look for creative ways to use those spaces.  The specific steps we’ll be taking to reconfigure our space is given below.  We will be looking for focals and volunteers as we progress through these actions in the coming months.  If you’re interested in helping in one of these areas, please reach out to the focal or to me.

 

1. Mural (Focal:  TBD)
   1. Archive mural with photos or canvas (Dave Diehl)
   2. Hold mural retirement celebration
   3. Paint wall and do any repairs
2. Nursery move (Focal:  Sally Engle)
   1. Clean out West Sunday School room
   2. Install larger window in West SS room door or add camera/TV
   3. Move nursery to West Sunday School room
   4. Move kitchen cabinets from modular to current Nursery room and secure for safety
3. Corner storage space (Focal:  TBD)
   1. Downsize library and move to West wall of sanctuary (Maureen Mattern)
   2. Design walls / partition in NE corner of sanctuary (Lindsay Buchanan)
   3. Review with symphony: secure help with funding
   4. Build walls / partitions / etc
   5. Move chairs to storage
   6. Move symphony instruments to storage
4. Multi-purpose café (Focal:  Lindsay Buchanan)
   1. Design space, especially how to use available kitchen cabinets
   2. Repaint
   3. Install cabinets
5. Modular (Focal:  Lyle Dailey)
   1. Clean out and sell, donate, or store contents
   2. Find someone willing to buy or take modular unit

 

Blessings,

Lyle Dailey, Moderator

OUTREACH

 Stepping Forward Dinner

Watch next month for more information on our next Stepping Forward Dinner on 3/29/2022

 

Feed our Neighbors in Need Food Drive On March 5-6th, we will join together with other Faith Alliance churches to help combat hunger in our community.  Last year Faith Alliance churches collected over 19,000 lbs. of food for our community! How Can I Help? It’s easy! Simply pick up a brown paper bag with the list of needed items from worship on Feb. 20 or Feb. 27, fill it up with groceries, and return the bag to worship services by March 6th. We will then deliver the donated items to Faith Community UMC

 

Online giving through PayPal is available for those who wish to give to Compass Christian Church electronically.  To do so, go to https://compassc.org/donate/ and follow the DONATE instructions.  If you do not have a PayPal account, you may click on one of the credit card symbols.  In advance and as always, we greatly appreciate your gift.

Other Ways to Give: You may give by writing a check and mailing it to the office or leaving it in the offering plate.  Thank you for your generous gifts.

Prayer & Communion    

 

Our staff and Elders would like to pray for you throughout the week.  Email your prayer requests to: pastor@cccswoh.com.  All requests will be kept confidential unless you indicate it is ok to share with the church body.  If you or a family member and would like to receive communion, please contact Kirk T., Elder chair or the church office so an Elder can be asked to fulfill your request.

10:30 a.m. Virtual & In-Person Worship    Rev. Beckie Linn Gregory See Facebook for the link                             Interim Pastor Pastor Beckie Linn’s Office Hours Monday & Wednesday   9:00 – 2:00 p.m. Tuesday & Thursday    1:00 – 6:00 p.m. Kwi-im Kim Director of Music & Accompanist   Church Office Hours                              Deborah Osburn 9-1 on Monday & Wednesday                Office Administrator 9-12 on Tuesday & Thursday   6771 Tylersville Road, Mason, OH  45040 513-754-0777                         Email: admin@cccswoh.com

Upcoming Church Life Events
March 1           Elders Meeting – 7:00 p.m.

March 2           Ash Wednesday Worship – 7:00 p.m.

March 6           Feed Our Neighbor Food Drive

March 8           MLT Meeting – 7:00 p.m.

Board Meeting – 8:00 p.m.

March 13         Daylight Saving Time ~

Spring Forward

March 29         Stepping Forward Dinner

WORSHIP AND STUDY OPPORTUNITIES FOR LENT

Our theme for Lent this year will be – At the – Crossroads, such an appropriate theme for a church in transition!! There will be many opportunities for worship and study throughout the season.  Below are some dates and times to mark on your calendars now.  You will not want to miss a moment of this special time!

Bible Study ~ offered twice weekly (the same study at each to best fit your schedule)

Wednesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. ~ followed by a light soup/bread lunch (open to all, not just the ladies!)

Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m. ~ a light soup/bread supper offered before

Worship ~ Special evening services as well as each Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m.

Ash Wednesday ~ 7:00 p.m.

Palm Sunday ~ 10:30 a.m.

Maundy Thursday ~ 7:00 p.m.

Good Friday ~ District 12 ~ TBA

Easter Sunrise Service ~ TBA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Congratulations

Rev. Alan Dicken has been called as the new Associate Director for Refugee and Immigrant Response with the Week of Compassion.   The Camp Christian Committee and the Personnel Committee called Bruce Bowerman-Jett was to be our next Camp Food Services Director.  His culinary efforts will include three kinds of food service: Summer Camp and Conference, Christian Church in Ohio Events (non-camp), and rental groups (congregations and outside groups.)

March 13, 2002 Spring Forward

COMPASS CHRISTIAN CHURCH ONLINE Website:  compassc.org Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/cccdoc Photo Gallery: https://hyperperformance.smugmug.com/Church/ Compass-Christian-Church/2021

COMPASS CHRISTIAN CHURCH a Disciples of Christ community Office Phone:  513-754-0777 6771 Tylersville Road Mason, OH  45040-2902   DATED MATERIAL Address Service Requested