5-3-09 STW Newsletter

Steve's Wednesday Evening Discipleship class ~ Spring 2009

Several of us just spent a wonderful evening on Wed. (4/29) ending a semester of discipleship classes with Pastor Steve. A core group of members wrapped up by sharing our understandings of some of the most basic concepts in discipleship, while noshing on pizza, grilled veggies and cookies. Simple fare, but then the food was just a lead-in. It's a shame this class ended because you could feel the group just starting to gel... something that requires commitment and trust. Most of us didn't know one another and yet God brought us together on a path ~ even if only for a short while. Sometimes He intends us to enjoy a long journey together, other times only a brief connection, but we've got to be engaged to receive the blessings either way.

Have YOU been involved with classes and/or studies here at CBC? Don't miss the opportunity to connect. It's really a significant way to experience the body of Christ, to grow in your faith and most simply, to make friends. I mean, can we have enough faithful friends, people we can turn to who understand our struggles, but who are also loving and caring enough to hold us accountable? Some of Steve's Thursday morning men's breakfast group (also there) spoke
about the incredible grace they've received through the connections they've made in the past nine months. Darlene, Steve's wife, talked about the closeness she feels with those who went on the recent trip to Israel. She called the group who traveled with her for ten days, "My forty-two new best friends."

Steve and the staff at CBC are reaching out to you ... won't you lean forward and reach back? It'll be to God's glory and your benefit ~ I promise!

Ephesians 2:19-22 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

5 O'Clock Service going on hiatus this summer

Steve announced yesterday that starting June 7, only the morning services will be held (9 & 10:45). Summer attendance is typically lower, so this will allow for more special events this summer, such as concerts and praise & worship nights (already in the works).

Also starting June 7, Mid-School will be held only during the first service (9 AM), and high school will be held only during second service (10:45 PM).

High School Mission trip to Juarez, Mexico Canceled

Click here to go to the CBC High School Blog for more details.

CBC Women and God went to Maypearl, Texas

As expected, the weekend in Maypearl, Texas rocked as CBC's women came together and were wowed by no less than Christian singer (and Dove award winner!), Kim Hill. Can I just say here, the girlfriend can sing?! SING! And "her story" was so convicting, so clearly watched-over and directed by God, it's no stretch to believe that He set loose this enormously talented dove to glorify His name.

Then Jenny Broughton brought her powerful testimony (oh heavens above!) to everyone on Friday and Saturday nights. Her high energy, [and at times] slapstick style was both enlightening and heartbreaking as there is no way someone like Jenny could be that funny, with a background that sad and that dark, without God's incredible grace. Again, we were reminded that He works POWERFULLY while we are at our weakest.

But it was the "Cardboard Testimony" of our own that proved (in my opinion) to be the writing of God's hand on the wall. Our walls. Our women. It was the grace given friends we know personally that pierced the weekend. What is Cardboard Testimony? It's when you write about a past sin, stronghold or pain on one side of a piece of cardboard box ~~~ and on the other side how you were set free by Christ's loving work in your life. At least 20 CBC women had the courage [and wanted to encourage others (!)] to walk across the stage ~ by herself ~ to share her incredible transformation. Physical and sexual abuse, drug addiction, pornography, adultery, depression, faltering marriages, debilitating insecurities, faithlessness. Some of our own were bound by these sins personally, others were the young victims of another's horrific sickness. The last woman's card read, "Life is Good." I thought my heart might actually be breaking when she walked off stage... Oh, and one last thing ~~ When these women lined up to get ready to walk across the stage, NONE OF THEM HAD SEEN EACH OTHER'S CARDS, so it was truly an individual confession of faith. I will never forget it; n.e.v.e.r.

So many stories shared collectively as a group or between a few during the past three days... No way to know each one, but they are all what knit together the memories of a time when the well- known and the locally-loved were equally illuminated in the eyes of our God.

p.s. Sammy Davenport braved the estrogen and shared his talent as he accompanied Kim during worship time. What a guy!

Want to see more Thelma Wells?

Women's Ministry wants you to know about a wonderful opportunity to hear Thelma Wells again. She will be at a FREE women’s conference coming up on May 22-23 at the Garland Convention Center. She is on her “Ready to Win Conference Tour” and her topic title is “5 Ways to Stay Positive in a Bad Economy” based on her book “Don’t Give In…God Wants you to Win”.
If you are interested, visit her website at www.thelmawells.com.

Women's Retreat ~ 4/24-4/26 ~ 2009

Hope you'll be meeting CBC's women for the upcoming Women's Retreat themed, Curveballs ~ as in ~ how to deal with 'em when life throws a few your way! Two wonderful speakers, food (ohmystars, and lots of it!), fellowship (the best part), crafts, shopping, yoga and water aerobics are just a few of the things you can count on this weekend (4/24-4/26) as Christian women circle the wagons for each other. There's even going to be something called, Lectio Divina. And no, that's not the latest James Bond, but a prayer exercise. Check it out!

Missions Meal Sunday, April 19

On the menu:
Brisket, beans, and potato salad.

Proceeds benefit the Haiti team.

Pick up a meal after the morning services!

Good Friday Service

Friday night at 7.

4-5-09 STW Newsletter

God of the City

Here's something going on in May. It's not a CBC event, but it might be worthwhile!

VISION:The vision for God of the City is broader than any single local church or ministry - it's about bringing together the Bride of Christ - across denominational, socioeconomic, and racial barriers.We are joining together, praying that God will usher in revival to North Dallas and mobilize His Church to unprecedented prayer for our city, our state, our nation, and the world.

MISSION:Imagine what God could do if thirty thousand people who are unified through prayer and worship, and are revived by a fresh encounter with God's Spirit are unleashed to serve as catalysts for transformation in their cities?

The God of the City gathering is to be held on the evening of Tuesday, May 5th at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas. The goal of God of the City is to unify believers across denominational lines in order that God would send revival to the north Dallas Metroplex, resulting in unprecedented prayer and ongoing city transformation. May 5th will be an evening of prayer, worship, repentance, and proclamation of the Word that results in May 6th and beyond-- churches working together for the transformation of their cities!


INFORMATION:For a list of supporting churches & ministries, volunteer opportunities and event & ticket information, please visit: www.godofthecity.com