Come with us on the Journey

Celebrating with Steele, Corey, and Lauren as they proclaim their faith in Jesus through baptism!

The conviction of Steele that Jesus is the Christ.

The change in Corey after accepting God's free gift.

The courage of Lauren to proclaim her faith.

What an honor to get to celebrate with these 3 and their family and friends! We often forget the privilege it is not just to celebrate baptisms, but to be able to do it publicly, inviting others to come and see what Jesus has done in our life. What an honor! What a joy!

Learning the stories of the people you’re journeying with

Whenever the room is full and the energy is high, the Lord often draws my heart back to a moment I shared with one of the founding Pastor/Elders of Christ Community, Karl Babb. Shortly after moving into our current space, we were having one of those days and as we stood in the back and I marveled, Karl gently asked me, "How many of their stories do you know?" 

That question has been the gift that keeps on giving. It's a reminder of the invaluable opportunity to learn people's stories, to listen well, and to journey together.

That question is resonating in my heart today. Whose story might you learn?

How communion promotes humility

Want to hear a line I wasn't expecting to hear in Community Group?

"There's nothing more humbling that taking communion with a double murderer."

Shewee. The powerful realization that at the foot of the cross, we're all sinners in need of grace.

I wrote it down. It's still swirling. Every time we walk through that communion line together we're unified in our need for grace. That's humbling. And that's a good thing.

The City that is to Come

I almost didn't list this. "They're probably tired of hearing me talk about it," I thought. But I can't help it. The City that is to come is on my mind. And I want it to be.

Of particular note, I think heaven is more than non-stop singing, but if singing together in heaven is anything like singing with y'all yesterday, I'm in.

15 years! WOW, Katie Gaither!

I looked up the average tenure of an employee in the United States. It's currently 3.9 years. Katie Gaither has served and led and worked for Christ Community for almost 4 times that! Katie has exponentially changed our church. We're thankful for you! What an accomplishment!

Interns!

In all the hustle and bustle of back to school, our summer intern Marideth Boyd snuck off to college, and this past week, Clayton Reese jumped on board as an intern for the fall! He's off to a great start! Pray for both of these young leaders as they continue to pursue God's will for their lives.

A memorization challenge inspired by Jeremiah

I heard an incredible story this morning of Jeremiah Heil writing out all 66 books on a chalk board. Way to go Jer! He has an incredible ability to memorize that's now pushing him to work on the weekly verse from EDGE students. When I first heard it, I was immediately challenged to return to the discipline of hiding God's Word in my heart.

In the group booklets for our series, there's a verse listed in the prayer section of each week. If you're inspired by Jeremiah like I was, I'd invite you to join me in memorizing those week by week. Here's this week's:

"For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me." (John 6:38)