Greetings, Centennial Friends!
On January 1 of this year, I decided it was time to introduce a new prayer book into my morning routine with Jesus. For the past 15 years or so, I’ve been using the two volumes of Celtic Daily Prayer, and I had spent the last couple of years in Volume 1. So, as the new year began, I set Volume 1 aside and picked up Volume 2.
When I opened it to the first page of the “Morning Prayer,” I noticed a sticky note I had completely forgotten placing there. Written on it was a simple yet profound quote from David Benner—one that beautifully captures the heart of part of our mission statement, “on a shared journey of transformation.” I’d like to share it with you:
Every moment of every day of our life, God wanders in our inner garden, seeking our companionship.
What a friend we have in Jesus! I challenge you at the start of this new year to think and pray about small steps God may be inviting you to take as you lean into this companionship He seeks with all of us.
In other news, please remember that this Sunday we will hold our congregational meeting immediately following worship. Among several exciting items, we will be voting to approve our Student Director, Amelia Copple, to join our Pastoral Team.
That same morning, we’ll also have the joy of hearing Amelia preach as she reflects on the Samaritan woman’s encounter with Jesus at the well. Here’s what Amelia has to say about her upcoming message:
We all have a desire to be known and loved in this world. As Timothy Keller, pastor and author, says, “To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved is, well, a lot like being loved by God. It is what we need more than anything. It liberates us from pretense, humbles us out of our self-righteousness, and fortifies us for any difficulty life can throw at us.” This Sunday, we will be looking at a powerful story in John 4—Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. We will see the power of being fully known and loved by God and how that can bring transformation and healing to our own lives and those around us. Can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday and look at this story together!
Also remember that we have new classes beginning, some of which start next week on Jan. 25. You can read more about the lineup here, as well as give us a helpful sign-up for the one you’re likely to attend.
And lastly, plan to join us Sunday evening, February 1 at 6 p.m. for our Prayer and Vision Night, where we will have the opportunity to corporately seek God’s best for CCC in the coming year!
Blessings to you, and I hope to see you on Sunday!
Pastor David