Bi-Monthly Newsletter - November / December 2008
|
The internet is as much a part of our world today as television or radio. It enables people on every continent to communicate instantly using the information highway. How did it all begin? In 1962, an engineer named Paul Baran found a way to move messages through a network of Defense Department computers. Just a few years later in 1968, the Department of Defense commissioned the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA), a branch of the military that developed top secret systems and weapons during the Cold War, to build the ARPA net. The first data exchange of this new network connected a total of four computers, three of which were located in California and one in Utah. It wasn’t until 1984, just three years after IBM began making personal computers that the internet began to take on more users. Less than ten years later, in 1992, more than a million computers were on-line. By 1995 that number had jumped to thirty million. Today, no one is exactly certain how many people have access to the internet, but by most estimates it is well into the hundreds of millions.
Some people have compared the kingdom of God to the worldwide web. Though it started with only a few disciples following Jesus, it wasn’t long after the resurrection that people began to “come on-line” with Christ on a daily basis. After only one century it is estimated that there were one million Christians in the Roman Empire. Over the last nineteen centuries, the number of people who have professed faith in Christ has grown to more than two billion!
Certainly one important reason for the massive spread of Christianity has been the prayers of the saints. In the Lord’s Prayer found in Matthew 6  , Jesus instructed His disciples to
|
pray “Thy kingdom come.” Every time believers sincerely make this request, we are expressing our desire for more people to acknowledge God’s reign and submit to His will as He works it out in their lives. This happens, of course, as unbelievers confess and repent of their sin and trust in Christ as Savior and Lord.
This is not the only way this prayer can be answered, however. The call for the kingdom of God is also related to Jesus’ second coming. Many 1st century Christians longed for that day and so prayed, "Maranatha,” which means “Come O Lord.” They were looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth in which righteousness continually dwells. While they hoped that it would be during their lifetimes, they understood that the Lord was not slow about His return, but long-suffering toward mankind, not wanting any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
Today, we too, as subjects of the Living God, pray as the early church did, “Come Lord Jesus.” We look forward with great anticipation to that day when it will no longer be necessary to say, “Thy Kingdom Come.” Instead, we will praise our Lord for keeping His promise. Until that time, please continue to pray for the advancement of the Kingdom of Christ.
|
|
If someone asked you the question: “What is the greatest need of the American evangelical male” how would you respond? (It may surprise you that the answer is not sex.) Men today are in need of “brotherhood.” Brotherhood is more than an acquaintance or typical friendship we think of. “Brotherhood” is closely linked to the biblical word for “fellowship,” or “relational partnership at the deepest level of our soul.”
Unfortunately many men in our church do not experience relational closeness with anyone. In the book, Being God’s Man…By Pursuing Friendships, Stephen Arterburn stated that he meets men at every men’s conference he speaks at who are entangled in internet porn, having illicit affairs, “immersing themselves too much at work, a sports team, or some hobby to help them deal with the stresses of life.” These diversions are just that—diversions from progressing spiritually and relationally. Men often have trouble relating to their wives and children. They are supposed to be the spiritual and moral leaders of the home but feel a profound void because they don’t know what to do. At CLCBC, we are trying to address the challenge of discipleship, leadership and brotherhood.
What can men do to meet their need for brotherhood and deep friendship?
• Every Saturday, a group of men meet in Conference Room A for Bible study and discussion Bible study and discussion Bible study and discussion Bible study and discussion Bible study and discussion and share about their personal issues they are dealing with.
• The men’s ministry is hosting a Men’s Retreat Friday January 16 th and 17th at Camp Duncan in Volo, IL. During this time, we hope to help men form friendships with each other and grow in their walks with God.
• The men are hosting a Valentines Dinner & Musical event Saturday, February 14 th at the church, in order to help the men in the church show appreciation to their wives.
|
• I am co-leading the Leadership Track, which is a group of men who are being trained in leadership, character, doctrine and friendship from Sept. 2008- June 2009. I am hoping most of the men at CLCBC will eventually go through this discipleship group.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 & 12, which states, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Thoughone may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” What are these verses saying? They point to the human need for deep, profound partnership and solidarity in relationships.
In the book, Brothers! Calling Men Into Vital Relationships, Geoff Gorsuch writes that there are some key questions men and women can ask to determine if they are in need of “brotherhood.” These questions are helpful to define the quality of our relationships. Ask yourself if you can you affirm these questions.
~ When things go badly, to whom do you talk?
~ With whom can you be totally honest?
~ Who is your sounding board?
~ When you fail, who will stand by you?
~ With whom do you face life’s struggles?
~ Who holds you accountable for family, work and your walk with God?2
My continual prayer is that the majority of our men
(and women) would have the type of relationships that characterize a biblical vision of “brotherhood.” God will transform our marriages, families, relationships and our walks with the Lord if we do. May the LORD do just that!!
(Footnotes)
1 Promise Keepers surveys indicate that 65% of Christian men are addicted to internet pornography.
2 Gorsuch, p. 15
|
The Hiding Place
by Corrie ten Boom
Submitted by Patti Stagg
The CLCBC Women’s Connection started a Book Discussion Group that met for the first time in September, at the home of Deb Barron. We read The Hiding Place —a touching, indelible, true story that took place during WW II. The ensuing discussion was deep and thoughtful as each woman reflected on how it touched her life. It was uplifting and fun to see new faces—to talk about a wonderful book—and to enjoy a great evening together. Meetings are scheduled for the first Friday of every other month, with the next one being November 7. For more information please call Deb, 262.806.7269 or Connie Engberg, 262.862.2018.
Unmarried at 45, Corrie ten Boom delighted in the joy of family and life in Holland. Her father, sister Betsie, and beloved aunts lived together in a small house in the town of Harrlem. Mr. Ten Booms watch repair shop, located on the first floor, was always busy with customers and friends. In 1940, Nazi occupation overtook the Netherlands, and by 1942 Anti-Semitism had become intense and ruthless. The ten Booms were devout Christians and risked their own lives to give desperate Dutch Jews a hiding place within their home. But in 1944, the traffic of these helpless people coming and going became noticeable to authorities.
When their “hiding place” was discovered, Corrie, Betsie and their father were sent to Ravensbruck, a Nazi extermination camp. The sisters experienced some of the worst of humanity’s treatment of defenseless men, women, and children. In the midst of apparent hopelessness, the ten Booms trusted Christ and received His strength to boldly bring the message of salvation to those suffering and dying.
Corrie alone survived. It was through a clerical error that she was freed from the Nazi prison. She then traveled the world as speaker and evangelist to tell her story on how God gives us the faith and strength to endure, no matter what the circumstances. She spoke on how we need to look to Jesus to overcome all situations and to have a more effective Christian walk.
This inspiring story shows the reality of God’s amazing love, and the unshakeable faith and endurance of the ten Boom family. The Hiding Place will touch your heart and turn your thoughts to Jesus. It will fill you with thanksgiving for the blessings He has given us as Americans—something we should never take for granted.
And the Survey Says . . .
• 97% of those surveyed said they read the bi-monthly CLCBC newsletter. Most were in favor of saving postage and
receiving their copy via the CLCBC web site or picking up a hard copy at the Welcome Center.
• 66% of those surveyed said they use the CLCBC bookshelf in the foyer.
Thank you for participating in our survey. Your comments and suggestions will help us serve you better through these
ministries.
"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Do you see yourself as a valuable work of art? Theabove verse declares this to be so. Many of us are very familiar with the two previous verses, Ephesians 2:8-9 , which give us the warm, fuzzy feeling of being saved frometernal punishment by the grace God lavished on us through faith in Christ Jesus. But verse 10 tells us why we were saved and what we are supposed to do with our salvation; “…continue to work out your salvation withfear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” God continues to chisel away at us until we are truly the work of his hand.
From my own experiences, I know this to be true. I make every honest effort to teach this truth to the kids at Mania. The questions of a Jr. High mind run along the lines of, “Who am I?” “What is my place in this world?” “Will my peers accept me the way I am?” Helping them find their identity and purpose in Christ, not the world, is crucial at this point in their lives. Helping them see and understand they are the intricate, intimate work (of art) in his hand and they are the Lord’s cherished possession, the apple of his eye and that God loves them unconditionally, sacrificially, abundantly and infinitely is
|
one of my purposes. I consider this a great privilege. I may not always do it perfectly, not even always wholeheartedly, but always with the deep sense I am doing what He prepared in advance for me to do.
I would be terribly negligent and lacking in faith to not claim this truth as my own. For it is God who created me, and He has given to me the talents, abilities, gifts, personality and experiences I need to carry out his work here on earth. I no longer belong to myself, I belong toGod. I have been purchased by the blood of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit within me is my receipt and God has the power to do what he has promised those who are in Christ Jesus. Helping Mania kids claim this truth as their own can be challenging to say the least. They need to know they (and we) all have the potential to do great things for the Kingdom of God. Every believer has to ask what effort they are making in unlocking the potential God has created in them through Christ Jesus. We all need to ask ourselves if we are helping others unlock their potential. We have to make a very aware decision to take that first step. God is prepared. Are you?
|
College/post college age Sunday morning study.
10:45 a.m. at the Caleb House
Come for breakfast, study & fellowship!
Join the College/Post College age ministry for a study of Proverbs - God’s Wisdom for Living. Reliable counsel for right living. A book filled with short statements that declare a profound truth that provides
wisdom for life!
Christmas Party at The Gomolls
25647 Old Grand Ave, Ingleside, IL 60041
Saturday, December 20, 6:00 p.m.
For more information or to get on Driven’s e-list,
contact John Maibauer, 224.430.3097 or
Jeannie Gomoll, 847.651.3390 |
Winter Retreat - January 16 -18
November 5.............. Don’t Forget the Tunes
November 12............ JAM’S Got Talent
November 19............ JAM’S with the Band
November 26............ NO JAM
December 3 .............. Skate on Grand
December 10 ............ Surprise
December 17 ............White Elephant Christmas
December 24 ............ Christmas Eve Service
5:00 PM & 7:00 PM
December 31 ............ NO JAM
February 20-22 .........Winter X-treme 2009 |
NOVEMBER
4 - Congratulations...You’re Gifted!
Study begins-Tuesday 5:30-6:30PM
8 - Communicate or Else! Parent/Teen Conference with Greg Speck
18 - Deposit of $49.00 is due for Winter X-treme 2009
Thanksgiving Basket Scavenger Hunt --DRIVERS NEEDED |
DECEMBER
12 - Uncovering the Love of Jesus with Free Prayer! @ Gurnee Mills - 6:30 to 9:00 PM
16 - CHIRISTMAS INVITATIONAL
Balance of $80.00 due for Winter X-treme 2009
23-30 -NO MANIA - Merry Christmas and Happy New
Year
Jan. 9-11 - Winter X-treme 2009 @ Timberlee Christian Center |
 |
ALL ON A CHRISTMAS DAY
A broadway style musical about a journey to faith.
By Custer & Hoose with Dennis & Nan Allen
Reminisce days gone by and experience the Great Depression, World War II, classic Hollywood, and the Hippie movement through the eyes of one man. Join the journey of Rufus Miller as he searches for significance in his life and discovers the true meaning of Christmas.
Show Times:
Dec. 5....................7:00 PM
Dec. 6....................7:00 PM
Dec. 7....................6:00 PM
Dec. 12..................7:00 PM
Dec. 13..................7:00 PM
Dec. 14..................6:00 PM
Cost:
Adults........................$5.00
Children.....................$3.00
Family Pass..................$15.00 |
| Calendar of Events |
Sunday Worship |
November 2008
November 2 Gleaning forIRF
Daylight Saving Time Ends
November 6 Pacesetters..........11:00 AM
Guest speaker Mark Elfstrand
November 8 Communicate or Else with Greg Speck
November 9 Souper Sunday
November 16 International Day of Prayer
November 22 Men's Breakfast.............CANCELLED
November 26 Thanksgiving Communion Service 7:00 PM
November 27 Happy Thanksgiving!
November 28 Office Closed |
Worship Services 8:00, 9:30, & 11:00 AM
Nursery & Preschool 9:30 AM - Noon
HarvestLand 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
HarvestLand Praise - K-5 grade.... 11:00 AM - Noon
Adult Sunday School 9:30 AM & 11:00 AM
|
December 2008
December 4 Pacesetters .......11:00 AM
Guests - Burt Kettinger Karen Kurtz, West Lake Christian School
December 5 All on a Christmas Day... 7:00 PM
December 6 All on a Christmas Day... 7:00 PM
December 7 All on a Christmas Day.. 6:00 PM
December 12 All on a Christmas Day... 7:00 PM
December 13 All on a Christmas Day... 7:00 PM
December 14 All on a Christmas Day.... 6:00 PM
December 24 Christmas Eve Service.... 5:00 PM & 7:00 PM
December 25 Merry Christmas! |
CLCBC Vision Statement
We are a Bible-centered, multi-generational church that embraces the Great Commission.
By the Grace of God, we will...
- Educate and equip the body through comprehensive, Bible-based discipleship.
- Enthusiastically use our resources to evangelize and transform the Chain of Lakes region with the Gospel.
- Establish and support new churches locally and globally.
We prayerfully and earnestly seek to demonstrate the lovof Christ as we pursue this vision in word and deed.
Our Ministers
The Congregation. |
|
