Angel Tree at CBC

The annual Angel Tree Christmas ministry started up again today and goes through Sunday, December 14. The ministry serves families of Crossroads who are in need, as well as local ministries.

CBC Kids' Christmas Store

A quick note before the 5 o'clock service--we're bringing back the CBC Kids' Christmas Store today. Handcrafted items and baked goods will be sold to benefit Hope for Kids, a child sponsorship program.

Re: Re: Holiday Food Baskets

For the record, we collected $2,360 for Fair Park, Advocacy Pregnancy Center, and Christian Community Action.

CBC Thanksgiving Hours

The church offices will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov 27 and 28, in observance of Thanksgiving. If you missed any of Pastor Mike's posts on what he is thankful for this year, visit this post.

Re: Re: Lead Meeting Tonight, Sunday, Nov 23 at 6:30 PM

Here's a recap of what happened at the meeting last night:

John showed a year-in-review video that was really entertaining and well-produced. We hope it gets shown during the services soon and that he'll put it up on the website.

Anthony talked about Men's Fraternity and the Quest for Authentic Manhood. It's all about men making the right choices and choosing the right influences.

Phyllis discussed Women's Bible Study and MOPS. It's great to see how MOPS is encouraging women to join the bible studies during the summer.

John talked about the Delay Break Ministry and how 200 kids have come to Christ as a result. He also discussed the McFadden Ranch experience. A neat thing he does is bring a birthday cake every month. It seems trivial, but most of those teen aged boys have never gotten to celebrate their birthday. He's looking for mentors if you're interested. John's wife Jane organizes a Christmas party for the boys every year.

Greg talked about the home group he and his wife lead for engaged and young marrieds. They are going through the Love and Respect series and have really made an impact.

Patti discussed CareNet (a lay ministry). So far, 40 individuals have sought counseling. Next year, they will offer divorce counseling. She also mentioned that the leaders might be interested in attending the CareNet continuing education course on January 13 at 7 PM. Tommy Nelson of Denton Bible Church will be speaking.

Caleb talked about the Middle School Tuesday Night Studies. He'll be taking part in the baptism of a new christian next week. How cool!

Dick discussed the senior ministries at Pinewood, Rambling Oaks, and Autumn Leaves. He said the Sunday service at Autumn Leaves is always well-attended, though he admitted the residents were locked in the facility at all times. The ministry is really making an impact on the attendees and the volunteers alike. It's great that CBC can bring church to those who can't attend the services.

Sharon spoke about the CBC Missions Board and its vision. She recommends that everyone take the Perspectives Course next year. She'll be glad to give you information about it.

Robin and Theresa discussed Children's Ministry and how great an impact it has. There is so much that goes on downstairs!.

Greg, Finance Deacon, Spoke about the state of giving. Everyone is aware of the situation and we need to do what we can to improve it.

Steve, an Elder, spoke about the mission of the church--to equip the saints, teach grace, teach the Word, and teach disciples. He read Ephesians 2:8-10 as an illustration. Steve shared the news that Melissa, Director of Children's Ministry, will be leaving CBC at the end of the school year to be with her husband that has accepted a job in Chicago. Tim will be stepping down from the elder board to attend a church in Irving that has asked Jody to lead women's ministries. The news of Mike and Edna was repeated. Steve spoke about Charlie, the new Director of Middle School Ministries, and that we might have a new worship minister by next year!

Ian, another Elder, reviewed questions submitted to the board and said answers would be forthcoming on the church's website.

Steve said the spring classes will be announced soon.

This meeting was Pastor Steve's idea and he's hoping to make it a regular thing, perhaps involving a dinner. Leave impressions are suggestions in the comments, or email Steve. He loves feedback!

Next Sunday, Nov 30

Next Sunday is looking to be a lot of fun. We'll be bring back the Angel Tree during all services and the Baptism Celebration will be going on at the 5 o'clock service. After listening to come coming-to-Christ stories at last night's Lead Meeting, it seems we might be in for a treat!

Re: Lead Meeting Tonight, Sunday, Nov 23 at 6:30 PM

Remember that the lead meeting is tonight. Childcare will be provided and Children's Sunday School will be held.

Next Week at CBC

There are no regular events scheduled for next week, except Thanksgiving! Pastor Mike has a multi-part series on thankfulness. Head over there for some inspiration (http://mikemesserli.blogspot.com/2008/11/thankful-part-1.html).

Share what you are thankful for this year in the comments.

Update: Here's part 2: http://mikemesserli.blogspot.com/2008/11/thankful-part-2.html.

Update: Here's part 3: http://mikemesserli.blogspot.com/2008/11/thankful-part-3.html.

CBC Kids' Christmas Store

Don't forget that Sunday, Nov 23, is the date of the CBC Kids' Christmas Store. Handcrafted items and baked goods will be sold to benefit Hope for Kids, a child sponsorship program.

Lead Meeting Sunday, Nov 23 at 6:30 PM

All leaders of CBC are invited to this event to share what God is doing in their ministry and pray for our church. The elders will make a presentation as well. If you lead a ministry or a home group, please join us in the auditorium.

Except for Children's Sunday School, concurrent events will be suspended during the meeting to allow those interested to attend.

CBC Volunteers Needed

Party Planner
The children's ministry is seeking an organizer for the Happy Birthday, Jesus! party. The party is Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 6:45 PM. Contact the Director of Children's Ministry if you'd like to volunteer.

Shopper
Children's ministry needs a someone to shop for supplies for ministry activities. Contact the Director of Children's Ministry if you'd like to volunteer.

Re: Holiday Food Baskets

Yesterday was the last day of collection for the baskets. Thanks to everyone who contributed!

Christmas Eve Services

Christmas Eve Services will be at CBC at these times (on Dec 24th of course!):

4PM

6PM

8PM

I'll post again closer to the event to remind you of the times.

CCA is Seeking Volunteers

Looking for an opportunity to volunteer this Thanksgiving or Christmas? Christian Community Action of Lewisville is seeking volunteers. Go to www.ccahelps.org/volunteers.html for more information.

Have you volunteered for CCA before? Let others know what the experience was like in the comments!

CBC Bake Sale at the Double Oak Craft Fair this Saturday

9-4 at CBC. The CBC Women’s Ministry will have a bake sale at the Double Oak Annual Holiday Stop & Shop Extravaganza in the CBC parking lot. Proceeds from the bake sale will benefit Advocacy Pregnancy Center and local assisted living centers.

Holiday Food Baskets

Speaking of donations, this month CBC is asking for donations for Holiday Food Baskets. The funds support Advocacy Pregnancy of Lewisville, Christian Community Action, and Fair Park Bible Fellowship of Dallas. Send checks to CBC and note "Holiday Food Baskets" in the memo line.

Donations Accepted by CBC

Poking around the Ministry Center (Main level, just before the cafe), I learned that CBC accepts a lot of donations. Here's a list in case you have anything you to donate:
-adult eyeglasses
-baby stuff
-maternity clothes
-Box Tops for Education
-canceled stamps
-cell phones
-empty juice pouches (like Capri Sun)
-unopened hotel toiletries
-Tom Thumb Community Bucks