Christs Church of the Valley

May 2012
May 1, 2012 Dear CCV Family, I met with a couple a little over a week ago who decided that they were going to leave our church. They attended on a regular basis and were involved in ministry as well. Whether it was lack of confidence in the leadership, or they were hurt, or they felt confused, something caused them to start checking out other strong churches in town. I appreciate the fact that they came to me and said something instead of just disappearing, but I also know that by the time they came to me they had already made up their minds to leave. Nothing I could say at that point was going to win them back. I only wish people would come to us sooner rather than later so we can help them in the decision making process. Whatever the issue was, if it does not have to do with compromising Biblical truths, then we should be able to work through anything. Right? So I want to share some thoughts with you that might help us to minister to those that are too quick to move on. First, we live in a culture of consumerism and even people in a strong, healthy church can think of church loyalty as a give and take situation. We pay our dues and now we expect a certain amount in return. Second, There are plenty of Christians whose lives dont resemble Christs. Sometimes poor decisions are made at the leadership level. Sometimes there are personality conflicts and relational issues. Lets face it, we are all sinners, saved only by the mercy and grace of God and we also live in a fallen world. Scriptures tell us, we are all slowly being transformed into the image of Christ, and one of the ways God does that is to place us in situations where, loving one another isnt always the easiest thing to do. What if leaving what seems to be a difficult church situation will actually short-circuit your growth as a Christian? So whether your church situation is good or not right now, its the Gospel that should direct and shape your decision to leave or stay at a church. Circumstances shouldnt be the deciding factor in leaving a church. Commitment to the body of Christ is what counts. If Christ stays committed to us in spite of our continual failures, shouldnt we stay committed to His bride? Ask this question next time you come across a difficult church situation. What looks more like Jesus: To hop to an easier church situation or to stick with a local congregation through a tough season? I know that my commitment to His church, in spite of the problems, is making me more like Jesus. How about you? We are predestined to be conformed to the image of Gods Son. This transformation will not happen if we do not stay committed to Christs people by challenging and encouraging others, as they challenge and encourage us. I hope and pray that the above mentioned couple will return so that we can reflect Gods glory together.

661-947-9570 office 661-947-9166 facsimile www.ccvpalmdale. org

Love God

Love People Serve The

World

We are currently studying:

How God designed His church to function Please join us Sunday mornings at 10:00 to discover how The Word of God can change your life!

Rekindling The Flame

Every Sunday morning from 9:00am 9:45am, there will be intercessory prayer held in the Pastors office. Come pray with us, as we lift up the ministries, the needs of our church and our community. Pray for those who are sick, in the hospital, or need prayers for their personal struggles. E-mail Prayer Chain: Barbara Moulton bemoulton@msn.com OR ccvpalmdale@aol.com

The Numbers- April Telephone Prayer Chain: Bonita Hernandez Average Attendance: Actual Budget: Easter Offering: Regular Offering: Total offering:
0743

93 661-272$12,609.84 $1,568.25 $12,096.00 $13,664.25

Blessings, Pastor Bill

Important Dates To Remember

If you have the desire, volunteers are always welcome for our Sunday School Program. Being a volunteer is both worthy and rewarding of your time! If you would be interested in volunteering as an assistant for: Noahs Ark Nursery: [Infants & Toddlers] Please contact the office (661) 947-9570 His Kids: [Pre-K thru 1st grade] Kids World: [Grades 2 6] Please contact Charlie Colvin (661) 944-5917
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The Diggles Family Concert Care Net

May 5 Annual Womens Luncheon May 12 Sunday School Meeting May 13 Mothers Day

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Get involved: community groups

Our community groups provide an opportunity to move beyond Sunday worship. Small groups offer deeper relationships within the Body of Christ. We encourage you to join! Wednesday Night: Adult Bible Study Hosted by Don Gravois at 7:00pm in the Fellowship Hall. Child care is provided ( via Childrens Group). Childrens Group Bible Study Wednesday Nights Hosted by Pastor Bill & Toni Morehouse in the Education Building at 7:00pm. Thursday Night: Adult Bible Study Hosted by The Talbots at 7:00pm. Contact Charlie Colvin for more info. 661-944-5917 Friday Night: Adult Bible Study Hosted by The Listers. Contact Dale Lister for more info. 661-273-6683

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May 2 Billie Bowman Jay-Z Hoare May 7 Connie Cox Beverly Hill May 8 Inge Senftleben May 22 Jim McAvoy May 24 Henry Thompson May 29 Suzette Bloom

May 12 Charlie & Liz Colvin May 14 Jon & Sarah Carichner John & Liz Siperly
Dale Lister will be hosting the small group study Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala. This study is focused around prayer. For more information, please contact Dale at 661-273-6683. Charlie Colvin is beginning a new study on Thursday nights at the Talbots home. 1 Peter, and then continuing on to 2 Peter. For more information, please contact the office or Charlie Colvin at 661-944-5917

There will not be a monthly Womens Luncheon this month, because we are having the Annual Womens Luncheon.