Good morning, COG family!
As I finish the first chapter of the Book of Job, I am reflecting on how I react to things that do not go as I planned.
This chapter of the book describes how -- -n the matter of moments -- Job learns that he has lost nearly everything: all of his oxen, donkeys, sheep, camels, servants, and his children. His animals are killed or taken. His servants are put to the sword by raiding parties. His seven children die when a house falls on them from a severe windstorm.
What does Job do? He does not do what I would expect or what I would do. He mourns for his loss and worships God.
At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.”
Job 1:20-21
What a teaching moment! When things do not go my way, how do I respond? I'm not even talking about losing all of my camels; I'm thinking of the little things that I experience every day. Someone says something I do not like, dirty dishes left in the sink, someone runs into the back of my truck (seriously), and so much more. I confess that I do not always praise God when trouble comes knocking.
Am I alone in this? When things happen to any of us, how do we respond? Do we get upset and off focus? Satan would love to move our focus onto the negatives instead of the positives we have from God.
I am going to make an effort to focus and think on the blessings that God has put in my life. Who's with me?
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
Philippians 4:8
Be salt and light,
Pastor Chris
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Thank you, COG family, for your generosity and faithfulness during these difficult times! Here are our giving numbers for the last two weeks:
Week of April 6, 2021
Giving: $12,029.49
Weekly Budget: $10,296.31
Year to Date Giving: $139,394.20
Year to Date Budget: $144,148.34
Week of April 13, 2021
Giving: $10,194.50
Weekly Budget: $10,296.31
Year to Date Giving: $149,588.70
Year to Date Budget: $154,444.65
Below are the ways that you can contribute your tithes and offerings to the church.
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Write a check to the church. You can either mail it to the church or stop by the church and put it in the slot of our mailbox located by the doors of the North Building (4343 S. Flanders St. Centennial, CO 80015).
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Bill Pay through your banking institution.
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COG website - online giving.
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As we continue to commit to Pray First, we want to provide resources to help us grow in our prayer walk. Tom King from the Vision Team has done a great job of gathering resources, and we will provide them on a regular basis.
These are April's resources:
(If you do not have a RightNow Media account, you can get one for free from COG. Just text COMMUNITY to 49775.)
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Facility Manager Position |
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COG is in need of a facility manager. This is a part-time job that takes care of our two buildings and the grounds. We are looking for someone who has maintenance skills and can organize volunteers as needed. If interested, talk with or email Pastor Chris |
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Join us for an evening of singing your favorite Disney songs with our drama team on April 24th at 6:00 pm. Pre-packaged snacks will be provided and a love offering will be taken to support the drama team as they prepare for their summer musical. Face masks and social distancing are required to attend the event. |
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COG's first Boost event was on March 24th with an evening focused on connecting with God and with each other. This was a great midweek time of encouragement, and we are excited to add this to the monthly rhythm of our church. We had around 80 people spending time in God's Word and praying with and for each other.
Our next Boost gathering will be on April 28th from 6:30 - 7:30 pm. Plan on joining us for a time to fellowship with God and with each other.
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Hope for Nicaragua
Flip Flops, Shoes, and Stuffed Animals
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The Nicaragua mission team is collecting flip flops, shoes, boots, and stuffed animals until April 18th. There will be collection boxes in the foyer of the north building. Please bring new or gently used items. |
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This 6-week study reveals what Scripture says about forgiveness and leads you through a step-by-step process to free yourself from hurt, uncover emotional triggers, and more. The group will read and discuss Forgiving What you Can't Forget by Lysa Terkeurst. This group meets on Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm via Zoom. If you have not signed up, you can still join via the Zoom link. The meeting ID is 918 1397 0190. You can email Anita if you have questions.
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The Friday Morning Ladies Bible Study began its new study by Jonathan Holmes titled The Company We Keep: In Search of Biblical Friendship. During this 6-week online Zoom study, we will discuss the core of biblical friendship, Jesus Christ. Friendship finds its origin, purpose, and power in Jesus, and our human friendships must be shaped by this truth. Discover how your human friendships can embody this. It's not too late to join us Friday mornings at 9:30 am! Email Judy Cale for more information.
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The men's Bible study meets on Friday mornings from 6-7 am. They are currently going through a study using the Navigators' Life Change for the book of Galatians. Contact Karl Been at 720-284-4750 for more information and to get the virtual link. |
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Men, do you need a place to be encouraged and challenged? Join Pastor Joel for a time of looking into God's Word and applying it to your life. We will meet from 6:00 to 7:00 on Tuesday mornings. Email Pastor Joel if you have questions. Join via Zoom here. |
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Child Evangelism Fellowship |
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The Good News Club is now meeting twice a month at COG and twice a month via Zoom. The 1st and 3rd Thursday will be in person from 4:30 - 6 pm at COG. The 2nd and 4th Thursday will be on Zoom from 4:30 - 5 pm. This all begins on February 4th! This group is for elementary-aged children.
Masks are required during the Good News Club get-togethers at COG. You can register online or download the registration form. If you have questions or want to be a helper/leader, you can email Kathleen Chandler or call her at 720-621-3602.
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Community of Grace
Sunday Prayer Time
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Join in for corporate prayer time every Sunday morning from 8:00 - 8:30 am via Zoom. The link and login are the same every week.
Meeting ID: 598 261 804
Passcode: 053343
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Bunny Hop
Easter Trunk-or-Treat
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What a great event! God gave us perfect weather to host our first Bunny Hop and allow us to interact with our community. We had over 100 kids attend with their families. Not only did the kids receive treats, and balloon flowers, but they also received Bibles and heard how Jesus gave his life for us and that he lives today.
We handed out over 100 Bibles to kids and adults! Continue to pray that COG is used in a mighty way in our community to be change agents for Jesus.
Thank you to everyone who brought out a car and handed out candy. Thank you, Nancy and the children's ministry team, for your continued efforts to bring the Gospel to the children in our community.
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Easter Meals for the Olin |
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Though we could not serve meals at the Olin, this did not stop Community of Grace from serving the people living at the Olin this Easter. With COVID still restricting our ability to be on site, we mirrored our efforts from Thanksgiving to make meals at COG and deliver them to the Olin.
COG members provided the food and transportation to make sure the Olin residents received a great Easter meal. We were able to make the 60 meals for the Olin as well as another 21 that were handed out to the homeless in the downtown area.
Thank you, Missy and Carol, for organizing another event to help those who are in need. If you are interested in helping provide meals to the Olin on a regular basis or have questions about doing so, email Missy to get more details. |
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Questions or Concerns?
Email us
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