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TRANSCRIPT
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Mother's
Community Christian Church
Volume 9, Issue 5
May, 2014
Tim's Tidbits By Tim Grasham
I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :
Love Notes
Tim's Tidbits 1
Elderly Expressions 2
Ministry Moments 3-11
Small Group Notes 11
Trustees Info 11
Birthdays & Anniversaries 12
Friday, Friends, & Food 12
Community Christian Church
exists to invite people to
experience a real life of joy,
freedom, and grace through a
real faith in God through Jesus
Christ and the Holy Spirit, and
lived out in a real community
with the love, support, and
encouragement of others on life's
journey.
Community Christian
Church
P. O. Box 491
Frankfort, IN 46041
Office 765-654-9260
www.frankfortccc.com
Tim Grasham, Minister
Brenda Kingsolver, Children's
Ministry Coordinator
In a recent article for Relevant Magazine entitled "5 Lies I
Used to Believe About Being a Christian", Tyler Speegle
shares about growing up in the church and some
misconceptions he picked up along the way. Maybe you
or someone you know might be able to benefit from these.
There is a place for EVERYONE at Community.
"1. Your behavior affects God's love for you. Christ died for us while we were still
sinners. God's love for you isn't based on what you do or don't do, it's based on His
Son Jesus and your decision to accept Him.
2. Church is a weekly event and just a building. Living in the Bible Belt, going to
church can sometimes be seen as just something that everyone does. Worshipping
God is often compartmentalized and sectioned off from the rest of our week. There
is this idea that every Sunday you have to dress up and polish your external
appearance and behavior. But God is interested in your heart, not your outfit. He
looks at the internal of man, not the external (1 Samuel 16:7). Church is also
frequently viewed as building and not a body. In reality, we should see the Church
as a Body that just so happens to meet in a building. The Bible talks about the
Church as a living and breathing thing, not just a meeting that takes place each
week with some singing and preaching (Ephesians 2:19-22). We weren’t meant to
love an event, we were meant to love people.
3. You shouldn't express your struggles or doubts. Sometimes the Christian life is
hard. At times, there are no easy answers or explanations. Instead of suppressing
our doubts and struggles, we should admit them to God and ask others to help us
walk through them. David was a man after God’s own heart, and he often openly
expressed his doubts and struggles during times of hardship. Being honest and
open about your struggles doesn’t make you less spiritual, it actually draws you closer to God because it forces you to get rid of your pride and self-sufficiency.
You don’t overcome the difficulties of life by ignoring the struggle; you overcome
them by inviting God to work in those areas (Psalm 43:5)! What good is it if you
have everyone fooled except for God?
4. Church Leadership is Only For the Super-Spiritual. Sometimes, those of us
sitting in church pews each week can start thinking of our pastors and elders as
spiritually superior, “better” Christians and almost infallible. This is part of why
we are so surprised and shattered when church leaders fall—we forget that they are
sinful human beings, just as in need of grace and accountability as the rest of
us. The truth is, your pastor, worship leader, small group leader or whoever else
may have more training and/or have walked with Jesus longer than you have, but
they are still people. They struggle.
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Elderly Expressions By Dan Adams
Forgiveness of Sin
I cannot help but wonder how much longer the Lord is going to bless
our nation. We hear our President as well as other government officials say that
people of various countries, folks with lost ones, those that have suffered
through natural disasters are in our prayers. What does that really mean? Is it
just a thought? If really a prayer then it means we are in communication with
God. That would further mean that we would be communicating with Him
daily. Instead, we find ourselves trying to pass laws to remove prayer from the Senate, from the House, from
the schools, displays have to be removed, and equal time or space must be given to other faiths or non-faiths.
We claim to be a Christian nation yet our country is filled with murder, kidnappings, theft, lust,
greed, adultery, foul language, sexual deviation, drunkenness, slander, idolatry, liars, magic arts, anger, and
racism; on & on. Now do not get me wrong. There are a lot of wonderful things that happen and are
supported. However, if we are to be followers of Christ as we claim, why ?
Our court systems try to help curb many of the crimes by subjecting individuals to specific sentences.
However, they vary for the crime. In God’s eyes sin is sin. A degree does not exist. You have either
committed an offense or not. There is no grey area.
So where did we get off the train thinking we could get away with a few “minor” things? As long as
we did not commit a major we would be in good standings. Unfortunately sin has existed since Adam. What
is sad is each of us have sinned and will continue to do so.
But there will be a day each of us will be held accountable. We have righteousness through God by
faith in Christ. We have been saved by Christ’s grace
Read Romans 3:21- 26. Read it several times. Absorb what it says. We do have hope.
In Christ,
Dan Adams
UPCOMING EVENTS
May
4 - Empty Chair Small
Group - 6:00 p.m.
7 - 4:30 p.m. Meet at
the church to help
clean up TPA park
10 - Men's Meeting
7:30 a.m. Deanos
11- Mother's Day
15 - Friends, Food
Fellowship - Mike's
Pizza
17 - Invite a friend to
church and cookout
18 - Church Board
Meeting 8:30 a.m.
18 - Empty Chair
Small Group - 6:00
p.m.
They need friends that talk about things that don’t directly relate to church. The Bible isn’t about rules; it’s about Jesus. God uses the weak for His glory. And
He can use you. You don’t have to work yourself up to be some sort of spiritual
superman in order to serve Him.
5. The Bible is Mostly About Rules. We often make the Bible out to be a
rulebook. But when we view it that way, we will lose interest quickly because
there is no connection made. The Bible isn’t about rules; it’s about Jesus. It’s
designed to be used in the context of relationship. The goal in reading the Word
shouldn’t be to get to a certain chapter, but to meet Jesus along the way. I
challenge you to ask yourself if you believe any of those ideas. You’re not alone
if you do. The good news is there is hope, because there is truth. And the truth
has the power to set you free (John 8:32)."
See you Sunday!!
Tim
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Building Committee Report - Mike Brite
The trustees are moving forward with getting bids on replacement of the roof, new
carpet, storage shed, and sound system. Once the bids are in, a special board meeting
will be held and these items will be discussed. We will keep the congregation
updated on when and what will take place. A reminder that just because we are getting bids for these items
does not mean we will assume they are going to happen. We will once again talk with the bank, see what the
payments will be, then make a decision on what to move forward with.
Brenda Kingsolver
KINGS KIDS, PINT SIZE PRAISES
AND NURSERY SCHEDULE
Hay Day Kid's Quest update:
We had a moo'vin time at kid's quest. We had 24 on Friday and 25 on Saturday. It is not about quantity it is
about quality. We were able to plant seeds not only for our kids but for kids that do not attend church. With
our numbers we were able to get to know the children on a more personal level. So the messages were able
to reach the children. I really loved sharing Kid's Quest with the congregation on Sunday and the kids
sharing the message of what they learned with you. It was very exciting to be able to show the children of
our community and families the love our church offers. Don't forget to check out our web site
(frankfortccc.com) for pictures and video for Kid's Quest Hay Day!
Parents: The children will have a great time this summer with our action packed fun summer studies.
June- will be Jesus is our lifesaver.
July- will be walking with Jesus.
August- will " Bee"attitudes fly with Jesus.
We will take a look at Jesus in a fun and exciting way this summer with some outside activities that will go
with our lessons. Looking forward to sharing some songs and short skit at the end of each month with
everyone in our congregation.
A Great Big thank you to everyone that helped with our Hay Day program. It takes a village to raise up
God's children and it is great that we have dedicated people that see that the children are the future of our
church. Thanks again to everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In His Service Brenda Kingsolver
May King's Kids Pint Size Praises Nursery-Church Nursery-Sunday School
4 Vicki & Joyce Tara & Mallory Mady Woods Alice Seward
11 Vicki & Joyce Tara & Mallory Ericka Kelly Alice Seward
18 Vicki & Joyce Tara & Mallory Kathy Brite Alice Seward
25 Vicki & Joyce Tara & Mallory Natalie Kelly Alice Seward
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
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HayDay Kid's Quest
The kids led the activities on Sunday morning.
They got the whole congregation involved!
They shared how God's love grows by passing out flowers
to everyone in the audience.
Monies collected during HayDay will be sent to Hanging Rock
Christian Camp. A competition was held between the boys and
girls. Whoever lost got a pie in the face! The boys won, so
Brenda Kingsolver was to get hit with the pie. Sorry, Mike!
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Approximately 70 people attended the annual Family Fellowship Palm Sunday Breakfast on April 13.
Family Fellowship
Susan Davis ties an apron on
"Angie"????....Mike Brite
Steve Woods and Mike Brite start the pancakes
while Brenda Dunham works on the batter
Debi Knipp and grandson take away the empty
donut boxes.
Line up for fruit cup, donuts, sausage, scrambled eggs, and
pancakes - plain, chocolate chip, and blueberry! YUM!!
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More from Travis & Gina Sheets:
In the picture you see the Ganta Christian Church choir, holding for the very first
time, hymnals. In the USA many churches have gone to using big screens, and
power points, as the gently used hymnals sit stacked in a closet. Our friends at Frankfort’s Community
Christian Church generously donated four boxes of hymnals to the Ganta Christian Church. Pastor Terris
and Pastor Michael had a dedication for the indoctrination of the new hymnals, giving thanks to the Lord for
meeting their need. The church is a planted church and meets in a classroom on the LICC campus. This
church is on fire for the Lord with a pastoral staff of two who are going out and ministering and meeting
people in their homes, at their work and on the street, inviting them to church. Trav and I alternate between
this church and the Inland Church but due to my accident we have attended this church the past three weeks.
I am pleased to report that over the span of three weeks, at this church, seven people have dedicated their life
to Christ, three people have rededicated their lives, and the church has had twelve first time visitors. The
Ganta Christian Church is serious about sharing the Word and singing out loud.
You've probably asked or answered that question several times this week. Your answer might include
stories about family gatherings, special church services or the relief everyone feels now that spring has
finally arrived. Tempting dishes of leftover candy at home or the office are likely the only remnant of the
holiday gone by.
At Lifeline, we pray that the hope of Easter's story remains alive in your heart every day. Holidays
come and go. Traditions fade. But the truth of the resurrection changes everything. Because our mission is
to restore hope among the nations, we just keep living the realities of Jesus' story each and every day.
Missions
Marcia Jasper
With hearts on fire for the Lord and the
saving grace of Jesus, the choir boldly
sings.
How was your Easter? From LifeLine Missions
On Easter Sunday,
there were 7228 people
who worshipped
a risen Savior
in 46 Lifeline churches
around the world.
While you may be
distant in miles
and culture,
you were present
in each celebration of hope and new life.
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You have helped restore hope among the nations this Easter. Your sacrifice, prayer, service and
gifts have enabled people in Honduras, El Salvador, Haiti, Cuba, Guatemala, Panama, Navajo Nation and
Canada to discover what genuine, lasting hope really is. Thank you!
On Easter Sunday, there were 7228 people who worshipped a risen Savior in 46 Lifeline churches
around the world. There were 63 baptisms in Haiti alone. While you may be distant in miles and culture,
you were present in each celebration of hope and new life.
In Central America, their celebrations were similar to
ours...with a few twists. A week full of special services,
camps for students, evangelism, and prayer emphasis. And
Sunrise Service is actually at sunrise (5:00am). Imagine
that?!
Lifeline's 3-month-old church plant in Alberta, Canada
(Northern Hills Christian Church) had over 1000 people at
a carnival on Saturday, which included an egg hunt,
bouncy houses, games and snacks. Not only did this unite
the new church members who served together in this
outreach project, but the church even had 21 first-time
guests on Easter Sunday.
Many of the Navajo know about the secular traditions in the
USA, but now they are starting to uncover the depth of
meaning Easter holds.
Haiti offers the most unique Easter traditions. Secular
celebrations with roots in Voodoo run the spectrum from Rara, a relatively harmless week-long
revelry with music and dancing in the streets, to parades led by witch doctors that mocks the death
of Jesus. Perhaps it's those evil influences that drive Haitian Christians deeper in worship at
Easter. Churches sometimes have 1-2 weeks of revival-style services. Intense prayer --
individually and as a congregation -- is common. Many believers fast from
Good Friday until Sunday, breaking their fast with communion at a sunrise gathering.
Whether it was 850 gathered in our largest church in Haiti (Mahotierre Christian Church) or
emerging house churches in Guatemala and Panama celebrating their first Easter together, the joy was the
same for every believer.
No matter where you live or what traditions you have, the message of Easter is always the same.
Together as one, we serve a LIVING Savior.
As another month has come and gone, I am reminded how good God has been to the Men of Community
Christian Church. Men in general are always very, very busy by nature and that is no different with the men
of our church. However, God always provides for us the time to help people when needed. That is just what
happen on April 19 when we had the calling to provide services for Hanging Rock Christian Assembly. We
were able to take a great group of adults and youth to help with clean up and preparing the paint ball area
with mulching and other items during our work day there. We were able to take a total of 13 ( six adults and
On Easter Sunday,
there were 7228 people
who worshipped
a risen Savior
in 46 Lifeline churches
around the world.
While you may be
distant in miles
and culture,
you were present
in each celebration of hope and
new life.
MEN'S FELLOWSHIP
Robert Lane
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seven youth) Thanks to Debbie Knipp for joining us this year to help with supervision of the youth. I would
also like to thank the young women & men for their hard work and inspiration. We are hoping to be able to
go back and do some more work for the camp later this year. We are also looking at doing a retreat for the
men sometime in the future.
There are a couple of things to remember for May. We meet the second Saturday of each month at Deano's
Family restaurant for devotion and breakfast. Starting at 7:30am done at 8:30am.
We also have something planned for all the ladies of the church for Mothers Day.
In closing PHP 2:13 says
"for it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure." Until next month
WORK DAY AT HANGING ROCK
Debi Knipp helps Ericka Kelly get ready by
braiding her hair. Samantha Sharp is in the
background
Riley Grasham, Ethan Stinson, and Dick Gable working
with wood chips in the paint ball area.
Debi Knipp works spreading chips while
Robert Lane and Bill Cleaver discuss
what to do next.
The Crew, minus the photographer!
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May's finally here!!! Flowers need planting, yard needs mowed, deck needs power washed etc. etc. etc......
Join in the Outreach as we work to serve our community. On May 7 the city park department will working to
clean (spruce) up the TPA park from 5pm to 8pm. Meet at church 4:30-4:45, wear your Church t-shirt if you
can, join us as work in sharing God's Love! Return to church after 8:00 for pizza, chips and drinks.
May 18 will be Invite a Friend to church day. We do (should be) this weekly, but on this Sunday we hope to
make our visitors feel special! After the service Outreach will provide hamburgers and hotdogs with sides ,
desserts, and drinks, you bring nothing!!! Just you and your friends. Everyone is welcome. Let's share and
show our unity.
Be sure to stay tuned as the Outreach committee continues to follow God's plans to Serve and Connect with
our community!
Youth Sunday The Youth of Community Christian took over the Worship Service on March 31. They were visible in every
aspect of the worship service from greeting, serving communion, leading singing, and giving the
communion devotion. They did a terrific job!
OUTREACH
by Brad Knipp
Isaac Grasham, Riley Grasham, Mallory Woods, Kylie
Keiser, Skyler Seward, Samantha Sharp, Ali Larson, and
Mady Woods lead the worship service with Tim Grasham
and Mason Morrison playing guitars.
Natalie Kelly works audio while her sister Ericka works the
video.
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. Sally Smith Co-coordinator
Women’s Ministries
I recently heard the old hymn, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and could not help but ponder the words of this
beautiful hymn. The words of this hymn give us hope and a promise that we have a big God who will
provide for us.
Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me
I am often amazed that when I go to bed at night with a heavy heart and a burden that by morning the load
seems much lighter especially if I give that burden or heavy load to God before laying down to sleep. There
is something about sleeping and giving a new start and outlook to the next morning that helps us carry on.
The hymn says, “Morning by morning new mercies I see.” If only we could live by this and give each new
day all that He intends for it to be and not carry past worries of days gone by into the present day. The song
lyrics also speak of everything we need, God’s hand will provide. Oh what a promise of hope this is. He is
faithful and His hand of provision will be there for us. Perhaps you can think over the last year or two and
bring to mind situations that seemed nearly impossible whether they be financial, family related, a
friendship, work related, health issues, and other worries that are a part of our lives. As the song says, “All
we have needed, His hand has provided because great is His faithfulness.” We can rest assured that He
walks beside us in all situations, and even when the outcome seems bleak, He intervenes and brings good in
all things.
THE CONNECTING POINT WOMEN'S MINISTRY
Mason Morrison narrates the story of Zacchaeus with
Riley Grasham Zacchaeus in the "tree" trying to see Jesus with the
villagers all around.
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In listening and understanding the words to a verse of the hymn, we can see that His presence is with us and
He cheers, guides, gives us strength and a bright hope for tomorrow. This is such a great promise to cling to
and claim in times of doubt or difficulty. His faithfulness doesn’t begin and end or stop and start. His
faithfulness is steady and dependable.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside
So, find a quiet moment in your day and sing this old hymn. Listen to its words and bring them into your
heart as a message of hope, protection and God’s always present faithfulness in our lives.
Thank you to all who provided desserts for the Rock for Life event. Special thanks to Fran Lanum for
delivering desserts to the event. We more than surpassed our 30 dozen items and His love and presence was
felt. Thank you for helping with Kid Quest this past weekend. What a joy it is to help bring the love of
Christ into a child’s heart. The weekend farm theme was fun and helped the kids learn about God’s love.
Women’s Retreat is coming up in November. Please sign up in the Welcome Center if you are interested in
going. We will have the first deposit due in early June and a second payment due in July. Cost will be $60.
More information will be coming out soon about the retreat theme, special speakers, and events and
activities that will be provided during the retreat.
Deuteronomy 7:9
Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a
thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.
Sally Smith, Women’s Ministries
The Dunham Small Group WILL NOT meet the month of May due to Mothers Day and Memorial Day
weekend.
The “Empty Chair” has begun a new study, led by Mike Brite. We meet at the church at 6:00 p.m. on the
first and third Sundays of the month. The name of the study is "Not a Fan." The question is, "Are you a fan
or a follower?"
Trustees Report
by Skip Davis
Grounds in Shape Thanks to Many
Last winter’s weather took its toll on trees on the grounds of Community
Christian Church. Thanks to the efforts of many, immediately before and
after the Easter Celebration our church grounds receive a “Make Over”. Before Easter, work was done to
“spruce up” the area in front of the main building. Then following Easter the rest of the grounds were
cleared of limbs, twigs and other debris. Several loads of brush were transported to our wood storage area.
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If anyone wishes to benefit from this debris please contact Brad Knipp or Skip Davis. It might make good
fuel for campfires or wood burning equipment this winter.
This notice does not mean the job is done. With so many trees, continued clean-up efforts must happen. So,
if in the future, you have time to do something special, please consider walking the grounds and do a little
clean-up on your own. A large plastic bag can hold a lot of wood. Don’t have a rake? Please check the
west end of the main building. Then place your collections on one of the wood piles on the west edge of the
church property. Thanks much!
Fun, Fellowship, Food
Due to restaurants not being able to handle our size of groups on a
Friday night, we are going to try Thursday. We will be meeting at
6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 15 at Mike's Pizza on Dixon Road
close to Kokomo.
May Mike's Pizza September Parkeys
June 9 Irish
Brothers
October The Stone
House
July Outback November Spageddies
August Treeces December Suggestions
requested
Mark your calendars and come join us for an evening of adult
Christian fellowship. Please let Joan Tarkington or Susan Davis
know if you are planning on attending by the Sunday before so the
proper number of reservations can be made.
Birthdays & Anniversaries
May
1 Pat Carnahan
2 Dan Adams
2 Jim & Debbie Seward
6 Joe Latshaw
6 Ben & Alice Seward
7 Jason Sharp
10 Rodney Latshaw
11 Allison Larson
12 Dorothy Sturgeon
19 Kathy Brite
19 Kelsey Dunham
23 Elliott Hartman
23 Eric Woods
24 Roger Butler
25 Liz Megginson
26 Brenda Kingsolver
27 Ken & Cathy Skinner
28 Harry Sheets