Author Archive

By Pastor Mike Mitchum

In October, Robin and I will be hosting the “Pastor’s Class” in our home. It is designed for people who are making CNC their home church and would like to know more about our ministries, beliefs and future plans. I will share my vision for the Church. The class is always a highlight for Robin and me. We enjoy getting to know new friends and sharing the story of CNC.

It all begins on Wednesday, October 6th. We will meet on five consecutive Wednesday nights. Here’s what one who attends can look forward to:

• Arrive at 6pm for dinner. Robin and I provide dinner so you don’t have to bother!
• Meet some who have been in the Church for a time and others that are brand new to the family!
• At 6:45pm we will sit and discuss the topic for the night. These include: My vision for CNC, the history of CNC, what we believe, discovering your spiritual gift, and how we support our missionaries.
• Over the course of the class, you will meet each staff person at the Church. They will explain what they do to minister to the congregation.

I hope, if you have not attended this class before that you will consider signing up in the lobby on Sunday mornings in September. We limit the class to fifteen attenders, but if more sign up we will just plan another class! Please come, Robin and I are looking forward to getting to know you better!

PEP – People Encouraging People

By Pastor Bill Gaube

Our son loves his swimming pool, especially this summer when his city, Mesa, Arizona was the hottest place in the nation. The clear blue water is refreshing. Yet when he moved in, the pool was an uninviting murky green color. He found out that he needed a new filter system.

Sometimes when our lives and thinking get murky, we need new filters. Here are two that will help no matter what age we are.

Filter 1: PRAYER Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

The key is to let go of our concerns and present them to God. And don’t forget to season with thanksgiving. This forces us to remember God’s faithfulness and all he has done for us. Lord, help us remember, if it is big enough to make us anxious, it is big enough to pray about.

Filter 2: SCRIPTURE Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, 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.

Where do you let your mind dwell? Would the filter of this verse catch those thoughts or let them through? My problem is I don’t stop and realize where I’m letting my thoughts dwell. Lord, help us “bring every thought” under the control of your word.

So when your life is getting murky and stagnant, check that the filters of Prayer and God’s Word are in place.

PEP CLUB ACTIVITIES FOR SEPTEMBER

Breakfast Club every Thursday at 10:00 AM

The every Thursday format gives opportunity for more to be involved. We meet at the Waffle Shop on the corner Zinfandel and Folsom Blvd. Order what you like and enjoy the fellowship. We’d love to have all those 55+ join us.

Sunday, September 12 at 2:OO PM, “Room Service”

This is a classic screwball comedy presented by Chatauqa Playhouse. We have always enjoyed their presentations given in a small intimate theatre. They are in their 34th year of giving quality productions. Tickets are $16 for seniors. Pastor Bill has purchased 15 tickets and if you’d like one, give your money to him or Reva Bryson.

Sunday, September 26 Chicken BBQ by Bob Robbins

We’ll have a potluck for side dishes and dessert to complete the dinner. These are always very popular dinners and you will not want to miss the wonderful food and great chance for fellowship. Bobbie and Bob Robbins are hosting us.

by Pastor Jeff Davies

We’ve all got ‘em. I have them. You have them. Those pesky little (or not so little) areas in our lives that seem to frustrate us so greatly. Often we chalk it up to another’s fault. Left to ourselves we’ve had a perfectly glorious day. Then that family member or that co-worker does or says just the right thing to set us off. Of course as we mature we get better at not having a major meltdown on the spot. Does that mean we are better off, or just more skilled at hiding?

I have come to a conclusion based largely on my own life but also observed in others. These “hot-button” areas are great indicators, not of how bad someone else is, but of where we are. They are tell-tale signs of areas in which we need to grow. If we are truly healthy in an area, we should have grace toward others in that area. A guy content in who he is doesn’t have to jump to defend an infringement of his character. A lack of patience toward others or uncontrolled anger indicates a deficiency in us, regardless of the circumstances that sparked a particular incident.

I am not saying we should never be frustrated. Wrongs are done in this world, and they are offensive in their nature. We should be mad about injustices and seek to right them. But perhaps we should ask ourselves if someone else is being hurt by the situation. Is there truly something wrong in what is going on, or do I simply not like it? Left to ourselves we often get a distorted view of life, particularly in areas that involve us. What might a level-headed observer conclude?

So where does that leave us when we are set off in the course of our day? Here’s a wild idea: instead of beating ourselves up with guilt and shame about how we’re horrible Christians who can’t seem to handle our mess, why not thank God? Recognize we often do act like silly little kids toward God and thank him for his faithfulness toward us. We can even thank him for the reminder of our need to live our lives in the power of his.

Rather than letting that person ruin our whole afternoon, why not recognize the moment as an opportunity to grow in maturity. It’s a moment to take a step toward our destiny, the noble and radiant Bride of Christ being revealed in us all.

By Sandra Cowell : thecowellclan@gmail.com; (916) 671-5535

Do you want to learn how to love your husband at a new level and meet his deepest needs? The book Becoming A Godly Wife by Gil and Dana Stieglitz, is about exploring all of this… and more!

This book will challenge you, convict you, inspire you, and give you tools to repair and strengthen your marriage. Most importantly, the exercises in this book will empower you as a woman, in faith, to follow the LORD’s guidelines for marriage.

There is so much strength in following His will for us and I am excited to learn about becoming a R.A.D.I.C.A.L. wife with you.

• 8 Week Study Starts: Sunday, Nov 14, 2010
• Ends: Sunday, January 23, 2011
• Time: 9:30 – 10:40 a.m.
• Place: CNC
• Book: Becoming A Godly Wife by Gil and Dana Stieglitz
• Cost: $16.00.
• Leaders: Sandra Cowell and Susan Wright
• Sign up: September 5 in Rudat Hall

Who doesn’t want a better marriage?

November 19-21

See Andy and Christy Rovenstine or Pastor Jeff for more details.

By Pamela Finney, 642-2339

Most of us are quite familiar with 1 Corinthians 13. We even have some of the verses memorized, have a sign or sticker with something about love on our walls or bumpers. But for many of us the verses in this chapter may have become not much more than just a placard in our lives.

When was the last time you sat and read through I Corinthians 13? I mean really read it, absorbed it, prayed earnestly that the words would be manifested in your thoughts and actions?

Well, that is just what we hope to accomplish through a study of Rick Warren’s 40 Days of Love: We Were Made for Relationships.

If you want to be refreshed, truly learn to make this chapter, and many other verses on Godly love, come to life in your daily walk and in all of your relationships, then you should join us starting October 10 during the second service (11 a.m.) for this six-week intense study of how we can experience and share God’s love in our relationships with family, loved ones, coworkers, friends, neighbors, and even the “hard to love” people in our lives (we all have them!).

There is a workbook for the class (cost $12.00). We will watch a video presentation from Rick Warren each week, go through the workbook, discuss the topics and questions, and spend time in prayer and fellowship, all facilitated by Pamela Finney. This will be a great opportunity for you to learn how to put Christ-like love into action in your life, to become “doers of the Word” (James 1:22)!!

Editor’s Note: Sign-ups for all small groups will start September 5 in Rudat Hall. The small group brochure will be available then too.

Saturday, December 11

CNC Christmas Celebration sponsored by Children’s Ministry

Mark you calendars now for an evening of fun, games, music, food, family, and friends!

By Debora Sharpless

It’s that time again for another round of small groups.

• What is going to be offered this time?
• Who is going to teach the group?
• When are the groups going to be?
• Do I really want to make the time to take another class this time around?

These are the first questions that come to mind when I hear of small groups. But lately I have begun to add another question to this list. Who might I run into at the next class?

We have been in Rancho Cordova for almost two years due to a company transfer. As the anniversary approaches, I find myself reflecting on the drastic changes our life took. We knew no one when we moved here and had to start over with a new church. We started with a visit to CNC and never left. I started attending classes, the first being Pastor Mike’s “New Comers Class.” Or is it called Pastor’s Class?

As I’ve continued to attend small groups, I am developing friendships that might have not happened otherwise. I am not only richly blessed from the teachings and prayers, but also deeply touched by the new friendships that have developed. Nothing can bring a smile to the face faster then to walk into the room and see friends I already know attending also.

As I reflect on the last two years I smile to think of the new friends I’ve made through these classes. Why attend another small group? With today’s fast paced life, it’s great to share a few hours a week with friends in a Bible Study.

So the new question to add to your list is which friend might you run into at a small group that you would not see otherwise?

Editor’s Note: Pastor Mike’s Pastor’s Class introduced Debora to what the church believes and to a group of people who have become her friends. As a result of meeting ladies in the Pastor’s Class, Debora organized a Christmas gift wrapping party during the Holidays and offered her home as a host home for the 40 Days of Purpose small group. Debora is now seeing what youth ministry opportunities God has in mind for her.

With the office move there is also a mailing address change for all correspondence and checks sent to Cordova Neighborhood Church. Please change the church address to 10604 Coloma Road when you send anything to the church office. If you send checks via the internet, you also need to change the address on your bill pay to 10604 Coloma Road.

By Pastor Bill Gaube

Ever heard the old saying “Patience is a virtue desired by many but possessed by few”? Well, I’ve been discovering its truth as I attempt to help my wife during her hip surgery recovery. Patience is tried by:

• schedule changes, (well, change in general)
• by waiting helplessly
• by challenging red tape
• by the lack of communication within organizations
• personalities, even of the ones you love

Love is an all encompassing word and sometimes kind of fuzzy. Paul gives a description in I Corinthians 13:4-6 of what love looks like. Guess what; the first thing he says is that “love is patient!” Nothing fuzzy about that. I can hear some of you repeating the scripture “tribulation worketh patience.” True, but it also says in Galations 5:20 that patience is one of the fruits of the spirit.

I’ve been learning to put these together. Dealing with problems is like cultivating a fruit tree. Yet in the end fruit comes from a tree’s inner process in a most natural and beautiful way. As I’m buried in endless little disturbances, I need to:

• confess to God that I can’t handle them
• acknowledge that any fruit of patience comes from His supernatural work
• relax and accept from Him as he gives.

A paraphrase of Theologian Helmut Thelicke puts it well: To not become a miserable creature in old age, learn the quiet, confident joy in Him who carries out His purposes, in Him who makes the trees grow…

God is faithful! Certainly that is the testimony of Elise and me. We still don’t know how God is going to “work all this together for His good,” but we are discovering that His spirit works in us in mysterious ways to produce His patience in our lives.

PEP CLUB ACTIVITIES FOR AUGUST

BREAKFAST CLUB, every Thursday at 10:00 AM

The every Thursday format gives opportunity for more to be involved. We meet at the Waffle Shop, corner Zinfandel and Folsom Blvd. Order what you like and enjoy the fellowship. We’d love to have all those 55+ join us.

SUNDAY, August 1, 2:OO PM, we’re going to see “CRAZY FOR YOU” by Geore & Ira Gershwin at the Jill Solberg Performing Arts Theater at Folsom High School. Call Reva at 635-4748 to see if any tickets are available.

SUNDAY, August 22 we will be going to eat together after the second service. We are going to Cattlemens Restaurant, 12409 Folsom Blvd., Rancho Cordova, CA. Rusty Bloomquist is our host.

By Pastor Mike Mitchum

Next to the Coliseum in Rome stands Constantine’s arch. Robin and I were able to see it this summer in our travels. The following is an excerpt explaining its importance:

“The Arch of Constantine was erected to commemorate Constantine’s victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 AD. This event is a highly important one for Christian history.

According to contemporary historians, the night before the battle Constantine had a vision. He saw the symbol of chi-rho (the first letters of “Christ” in Greek) – or the cross in some accounts – in the sky with the words, “By this sign, conquer.”

Facing an army larger than his own, Constantine was happy to try anything. He had his soldiers carry the Christian symbol into battle, and he was victorious. So Constantine adopted Christianity for himself and declared the religion officially tolerated throughout the Roman Empire.

With Constantine’s conversion, Christian persecution ended and the development of Christendom began. Thus, the event celebrated by the Arch of Constantine was a major turning point in the history of the western world”.

Back in the first century, the Apostle Paul had been imprisoned in Rome. He was chained to guards night and day. Paul was a preacher of the gospel, so these soldiers got an earful! As the following verse tells us, he had converted people even in Caesar’s household.

“Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. ” (Philippians 4:21–22, NIV)

The gospel message would continue to be spoken by these people and their descendents until, finally, the message reach Caesar’s (Constantine’s) ears. I believe his conversion is a direct result of Paul’s imprisonment years before.

Perhaps someone you care about needs the Lord. Don’t stop telling of his love. Don’t stop praying for the Lord to change her heart. You might not be around to see it, but your words may bring a major turning point in someone’s life.

By Pastor Bryce Cooley

June and July have been interesting and full to say the least! With two weeks of Summer Camp and one week of fireworks booth, I have been running around non-stop. Two weeks later I am finally recovering.

Summer Camp was an amazing experience for both student and counselors. There were about 400 students at each camp, a great worship band (Between the Trees) and very energetic and engaging speakers. Each night our students were challenged to go deeper with God and were challenged in their current outlooks on God, Faith and Life. Cabin discussions were honest and encouraging. I couldn’t have asked for more out of camp this year. I know for those Seniors who went for their last year as a camper this was a high note to end on! For those who went for their first time the future looks bright!

Fireworks Booth. For those of you who did not hear, on July 2nd in the early morning someone stole all our fireworks. This started off as a bad day but over the next week showed itself as an opportunity for God to provide. Though we would have preferred not dealing with this situation we have seen God come through in this situation through many avenues. Our church and community both showed up with donations and prayers which was a huge encouragement to us. Phantom Fireworks and our Insurance company are both trying to work with us in order to make sure we end up somewhere in the black. Considering Phantom does not offer theft insurance for store containers on site, this is a huge blessing. All in all I have seen a situation that was bad turn into an opportunity to see God do great things. That you for all involved.

Upcoming Events Now that we are back from camp and settled in we are working on our schedule for the end of summer and spring. Please continue to check link name for updates.

On a personal note. For those of you who have not heard, I am now engaged to my long time girlfriend Bethany Broughton. Our wedding is set for December 18, 2010. We are doing everything in our power to get as many people — Family, Friends and Church family — involved as possible. We would appreciate your support in prayer. If you are interested, you can check out our website at http://www.bryceandbethany.net

By Pastor Susan Wright

The topics are varied and groups will meet on Sundays and mid-week. Some of the class offerings are on marriage, finance, church history, 40 Days of Love and Becoming a Godly Wife. Signups will begin mid-August. Check next month’s CrossRoads and the Sunday bulletins for more information.

If you have questions, ideas or want to volunteer as a teacher or host home, contact Susan Wright: susan@cnchurch.org or 635-5992 x14.