As we shared at the end of January, we are prepared to break ground on our land on 301 and begin building a permanent home for our church. After much prayer, discussion, contemplation and a thorough investigation of our options, your Connection Community Church leadership team believes we are following God’s will. Praise God!

God has turned every obstacle into a miracle along the way. When we hit challenges, we stopped, prayed, explored what our choices were and waited for God’s direction and guidance. We have looked at numerous options – from buying the current building to buying other land and much more. Time and again, we see God’s clear and miraculous guidance leading us to build on our beautiful 27 acres north of town.

In the past month, we have finalized plans with our builder (PHB, Inc.-General Contractors and our current next-door neighbor) and we are in the process of finalizing our construction loan and mortgage.

We need an additional $300,000 to close on those loans and are already almost halfway there. We know this is doable. Our church has always shown significant generosity.

• Many years ago, even before we had land of our own, we raised $48,000 in six weeks to buy land in India for our partner church there. Now they have a school for hundreds of kids who live in the slums.

• A few years ago, when we expanded into the “Garage” for our children’s ministry, we raised more than $100,000 in just a few months.

• And in our recent capital campaign for this building project, more than 50 families gave gifts of $10,000 or more -- and 16 of those families gave $30,000 or more.

We also have a longer-term need of approximately $4,000 a month -- that's roughly $25 per month per family -- to help us pay for the new mortgage.

So we are asking our congregation to help. We want everyone to be a part of this mighty move of God. Please prayerfully consider supporting both our long- and short-term needs.

More complete details about the project are on our web site. If you have any questions or concerns about this project, please talk with any member of the Leadership Team or Building Team.

The building will be new but our mission will remain the same: Connecting people with Jesus and the new life He offers!

THIS MONTH…2017 Bible Reading Plan 6Calendar 8Children 4

Financial Update 7Youth Connection 2

CONNECTION COMMUNITY CHURCH100 W. Green St.Middletown, DE 19709JustShowUp.Churchconnect@connectioncc.org

THE CONNECTORFEBRUARY 2017

CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH JESUS AND THE NEW LIFE HE OFFERS

For more renderings, plans, and other info, just visit our website at justshowup.church/new-building

THE CONNECTOR - FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 2 of 8

JR. HIGH YOUTH GROUP2nd & 4th Sunday of the month from noon-2pm (lunch provided)

We had a great timeat the 30th annualYouth Rally in Ocean City, MD.

This Year’s Theme:THIS IS LOVE1 John 4:10

JR. & SR. HIGH SUNDAY SCHOOLEvery Sunday at 11am

SR. HIGH SMALL GROUP1st & 3rd Sunday of the month from 6-8pm

SUMMER JOB OPPORTUNITYCamp Pecometh is looking for college-aged individuals who are interested in a challenging and rewarding opportunity to work with kids in a great Christian camp setting this summer.

Also, if you are in the 10th or 11th grade, you can apply for our Staff-in-Training program.

For more information or to apply, visit www.pecometh.org/summer-staff or contact Megan Sweeney, Camp Programs Coordinator, at megansweeney@pecometh.org.

Join Connection Church and Gateway Church in Dallas, TX (via simulcast) for an unforgettable event designed to bring you and your spouse closer over Valentine's Day weekend. Cost is only $30 per couple. For more information or to register, visit JustShowup.Church/xo or pick up a registration envelope from the Lobby.

FRIDAY, FEB. 10 FROM 7-10:30PM SATURDAY, FEB. 11 FROM 9AM-12:30PM

IN ADDITION TO THE SIMULCAST WE WILL HAVEDANCING - GAMES - PHOTO BOOTH - AND A WHOLE LOT MORE!

THE CONNECTOR - FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 3 of 8

FOOD MINISTRY UPDATEWe wanted to express our appreciations to all of YOU who have been supplementing our food donations with cans of soup. WOW! What a blessing! We haven't run out of food since we started Souper Sunday so keep the cans coming!We also want to thank those of you in our congregation who have donated various other food items such as turkeys during Thanksgiving, cookies, and whatever else God laid on your heart to send our way. What a blessing to be part of such a giving and caring church!You probably know that we receive food donations from Wawa every day, but did you know we also receive food donations from Starbucks, KFC, Manhattan Bagel and Chipotle on a regular basis? We also want to recognize Food Lion for a recent donation of over 100 boxes of nonperishable food items, and Middletown Fire Department for the many, many toys they donated in December. We gifted the toys to those who came for food to help make Christmas a little brighter for their children.The thought occurred to those of us in the Food Ministry that the donor store managers would probably appreciate hearing from us as customers that we appreciate the donations they send to our church. Because of their generosity, we reach many in our community and show them God’s love in a very practical way.So what about numbers? As already mentioned, 2016 brought great blessings to us and through us as we continued to reach our community with food (and gifts at Christmas) for those families that God cares deeply about. 

> November totals were 1397 meals divided by 30 days for an average of 46.57 meals per day. > December totals were 1766 meals divided by 31 days for an average of 56.97 meals per day. 

For the year, 2016 totals were 17,994 meals divided by 365 for an average of 49.30 meals per day compared to 2015 totals of 15,840 meals divided by 365 for an average of 43.40 meals per day. Praise God for His increases! God has also increased the volunteers who give so much of themselves to connect people to Jesus and the new life He offers. We are truly blessed with people, provision and purpose.

 "And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:19

- Mike Osman , Food Ministry Lead and Debbie Morgan – Food Ministry Assist

Tyler Edwards, daughter of Fran and Micah Edwards, had a birthday party in January. This was not your typical birthday party- it was a “pay it forward party!” All her friends got together and donated 200 cans of soup to the Connection Food Ministry! Thanks, Tyler, for living out our core value “All people matter to God!”

HELP US FEED THOSE IN NEED IN THE MOT AREA!Bring some cans of soup every Sunday and drop it in the bin in the lobby for our Food Ministry.

Make Every Sunday a Souper Sunday!

THE CONNECTOR - FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 4 of 8

We are excited to announce the 2017 VBS Program has been scheduled for June 25-29!  

We are looking for volunteers to help design, prepare and/or participate in this fun-filled VBS experience where kids will discover they are lovingly crafted by God.

Our first planning meeting will be held March 5 @12:15 and last ~30 minutes. If you are interested in building set items, decorating and brainstorming, please attend!

Feel free to contact this year's coordinators - Rachel Brandenburg at drbpsyd@gmail.com or Devon Jacob at devonjacob2010@gmail.com with any questions.

Nursery: Jaime Bangston, Sharon Maerten, Amanda SmithPreschool: Kyle Mueller, Amy Novosel, Jan Wilder

252 Garage: Jane Parker and Tim Wilkins Children's Ministry Director: Kathy Reed

VBS AT CONNECTION IS COMING JUNE 25-29

STUDENT ARTS MINISTRIESTuesdays from 5-6:15pm

God Squad - grades 1-3

Sing, Act, Move, Create, Laugh, and Learn! A fun-filled program geared for younger students that provides a taste of a variety of arts and skills.

Creative Dramatics: Acting - grades 4-8

Let’s get into the “act” with improvisational games and skits.

Hands and HeARTS: The Possibilities of Painting - grades 4-8 

Simple brush techniques make vibrant colors come alive in this fun, collective painting experience.

Tech Interns - grades 7-8

Contact Stefanie Griffin at sjayelord@yahoo.com if your student in grade 7 or 8 is interested in one of our SAM Tech intern positions.

SESSION 3IS UNDERWAY!

Register today on the website at JustShowUp.Church/SAM.

THE CONNECTOR - FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 5 of 8

INCLEMENT WEATHERAll church closings and delays will be posted on our website and on social media, so be sure to check before you head out if you’re not sure.

SYMPATHY TO Kari and Alan Jones and family (Erin, Kyle, Jacob and Addison Mueller, Megan, Ted, Isabella and Adaline Ryskoski, Devon, T.C, and Harper Jacob, and Turner Jones) on the death of Kari’s father, Lou Kraft, on Dec. 8. The family appreciates your prayers during his illness and passing.

Jan Jones and Dan and Mary Beth Jones and family on the death of Jan’s husband and Dan’s father, Miles, on Jan. 25. 

THANK YOU Dear Connection Church,The perfect name because you have the connection with the Lord. We have witnessed a miracle. You were there for us in our time of need. Thank you for all your prayers and love and visits. We will never forget it.SincerelyMichael and Electra McCloskey

Dear Friends in Mission,Thank you for your gift of $4,052.56 for the Imagine No Malaria campaign. We are pleased to share that 100 percent of your contribution will go towards eliminating one of the world’s most deadly diseases. Through gifts like yours, Imagine No Malaria has already distributed 1.2 million insecticide-treated bed nets throughout Africa and trained more than 5,400 community health workers to personally deliver the nets and measure usage rates. Today, we can report that malaria’s impact has been cut in half!Thank you for partnering with us in God’s mission. May God grant you a sense of hope and joy as you continue to support a day with no malaria.

Grace and Peace,General Board of Global MinistriesRoland Fernandes , General Treasurer Mary Andreolli, Exec. Director of Communications, Advance & Funding

CONGRATULATIONS Turner Jones and Stephanie Merkel on their marriage on Jan. 7.Kelly Hartwick on becoming a Disciple Member on Sunday, Jan. 15.

WORSHIP & PRAYER SERVICESUNDAY, FEB. 26 AT 7PMJoin us for worship, a message, and prayer as we invite God to move among us.

Join us for this one-night event that focuses on how leaders inspire, influence, and achieve results. It’s an evening you won’t want to miss!

FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 6-9PM

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICEWEDNESDAY, MARCH 1 AT 7PMJoin us on Wednesday, March 1 at 7pm for a very special service as we prepare for the Lent season. Child care will be provided.

MITTEN TREE UPDATEThanks to the generosity of all those involved, Connection was able to provide five families in the M.O.T. community with a blessed Christmas through the Mitten Tree Project.  We had a great response for supplying the requested gifts. We were humbled to see the time and effort the congregation put in to select the items and return them to church.  Also, we were blessed to have a fantastic group of gift wrappers who gave up their Saturday morning to make sure every gift was specially wrapped for each individual. Finally, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention the group of youth that got up early and made short work out of the wrapping for the family they were doing.  It was great to see everyone’s enthusiasm and willingness to serve others.  Without the help of all those involved, this project would not have been the success it was. What a blessing to be a part of such a great church willing to step up and help others in need, around the Christmas season and always.

-Candy Drummond, Mitten Tree Coordinator and Paige Merring, Outreach Coordinator

THE CONNECTOR - FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 6 of 8

1. Set aside time every day to listen to the God’s voice as you read, reflect, and engage with God’s word.

2. Pray and ask the God to highlight some portion of your scripture reading for that day. This will be the verse that "jumps off"

the page for you.

3. Read from both the Old and New Testament. Use the churchwide Bible in a year reading plan found in YouVersion Bible

app called, Life Journal Reading Plan (see other side for this month’s readings) or pick another one.

4. In your journal follow the SOAP method (below) and write a few sentences on each of the following:

SCRIPTURE

This will be the one verse that was "highlighted" for

you as you read.

S

OBSERVATION

Jot down what you observe about this verse within its biblical context.

O

APPLICATION

Write down any "take-homes" or personal

applications. Where does this verse touch your life?

A

PRAYER

Close your time with a prayer asking God to

make this learning come alive in your life.

P

Journaling is an excellent way to both record and process what God has spoken to us. It's also a useful tool to use later to reflect on and review

some of the "gems" that you have received. Without writing these down, you may forget those blessings and some very important lessons!

Note: The above material was adapted from Pastor Jorge Acevedo at Grace Church in Fort Myers, FL and Pastor Wayne Cordeiro from New

Hope Christian Fellowship in Hawaii.

Spending time reading and reflecting on God’s word is one of the top things we can do to grow closer to God no matter where we are in our journey with God. Here are four simple steps:

To read through the Bible in a year using the Life Journal Reading plan on January 1 (available on YouVersion Bible App). The plan

has daily reading in both the Old and New Testaments each day. Use the Bible reading and Reflection tips on the other side.

The YouVersion bible app is available at bible.com to read in your browser or you can download it on your mobile device at the

App Store or Google Play store. It is absolutely free.

If you are not currently in the habit of reading and reading through the Bible in a year is overwhelming, then pick one chapter a day

from the below readings.

1. Exodus 30-32; Acts 8

2. Exodus 33-34; Psalms16; Acts 9

3. Exodus 35-36; Acts 10

4. Ex 37-38; Psalms19; Acts 11

5. Ex 39-40; Psalms15; Acts 12

6. Leviticus 1-3; Acts 13

7. Leviticus 4-6; Acts 14

8. Leviticus 7-9; Acts 15

9. Leviticus 10-12; Acts 16

10. Leviticus 13-14; Acts 17

11. Leviticus 15-17; Acts 18

12 Leviticus 18-19; Ps 13; Acts 19

13. Leviticus 20-22; Acts 20

14. Leviticus 23-24; Psalms 24; Acts 21

15. Leviticus 25; Psalms 25-26; Acts 22

16. Leviticus 26-27; Acts 23

17. Numbers 1-2; Acts 24

18. Numbers 3-4; Acts 25

19. Numbers 5-6; Psalms 22; Acts 26

20. Numbers 7; Psalms 23; Acts 27

21. Numbers 8-9; Acts 28

22. Numbers 10-11; Psalms 2 7; Mark 1

23. Numbers 12-13; Psalms 90; Mark 2

24. Numbers 14-16; Mark 3

25. Numbers 17-18; Psalms 29; Mark 4

26. Numbers 19-20; Psalms 28; Mark 5

27. Numbers 21-23; Mark 6-7

28. Numbers 24-27; 1 Corinthians 13

February Readings

THE CONNECTOR - FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 7 of 8

FINANCE TEAM UPDATEKEY FINANCIAL RESULTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2016

BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING One Sunday each month, free blood pressure screening is offered after the 8:30 and 9:45am services.

The next screening will be held on February 26.

THE CONNECTOR - FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 8 of 8

JANUARY 2017

Access our online calendar anytime on our website atJustShowUp.church/whats-happening/#calendar

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: MON. - THURS. 9AM-1PM , FRIDAY 9AM-12:30PM