Community Updates from Dr. Bob: 7/12/2023
We’re hearing wonderful responses from the children and youth that went to camp. Many have made new or renewed commitments to their relationship with Jesus.
Let’s take some time here together as a community to celebrate our growth in ministry engagement! We’ve seen new volunteers stepping up in the middle school ministry. Our prayer team is expanding. More people are getting involved with our Creative Arts team, which just had had a BBQ. Kimi Wilson is volunteering her work on graphic design. We have leaders stepping up to make VBS happen. These are all such encouraging signs for our increasing ministry engagement here at Community Church Rancho.
May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us;
establish the work of our hands for us—
yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17
Our worship attendance has been up for the last two weeks, including on a holiday weekend. That’s another clear sign of increasing engagement. As we conclude our sermon series on Experiencing God this Sunday, we’ll draw out the vision of developing others for the work of the ministry… something we are already seeing God beginning to do among us. We can each find unique ways to experience God through serving and using the gifts he has given us.
Vacation Bible School
We currently have 21 children signed up for VBS. There’s still time to sign up more kids, ages 3 and up, before we begin this coming Sunday. So if you know any neighbors or friends with young kids who don’t normally attend church, this is a great opportunity to invite them to a fun event for their children. Here is the registration info.
A Work of Art
Our Work of Art workshop starts Thursday night. We’ve had 19 signups so far, but a few more spots remain open. Click here for details.
See how God is at Work in Our Process Groups
You may have noticed we are offering more process groups in areas like grief, depression, anxiety, etc. These groups provide a safe place for people both inside and outside the church to walk through some of the issues they’re dealing with. The groups present a great opportunity for healing and transformation, as well as an avenue to serve the community around us.
If you were in the service, you saw the testimonial Glen shared about his experience in a process group he just completed. If you missed it, you can watch it here.
Below are the next few process groups coming up.
DEPRESSION: CHANGES THAT RESTORE. 6 Thursdays, July 20, 27, Aug 3, 10, 17, 24 from 6:30-8:00 at Elaine Tisler’s home
“I don’t feel like going to this group. What good would it do anyway?” Sometimes we’re just discouraged with life in general. We don’t want to do anything–get out of bed, go to work–and we really don’t want to talk about it. Group leader Debbie Case knows depression from the inside out, and understands how we can support each other through it. Sign up here and we will send the address of the host.
MANAGING ANGER: 5 Thursdays, Aug 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. on Zoom
Have you ever attempted to work on a car engine? If so, you know it can be an overwhelming task if you do not understand the engine’s design. That’s the way it is with anger. It has so many different faces, from subtle (the silent treatment, impatience, critical) to violent (destruction, physical harm). The task of managing anger can seem impossible until we come to know and understand it. Join us for this 5-session group where we identify the best ways to use anger, uncover the myths about it, and identify learned patterns of thinking and acting that influence it. Registration opening soon!
CHOOSING TO FORGIVE: 5 Wednesdays, Aug 9, 16, 23, 30, Sep 6 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. on Zoom
The first week we acknowledge wrongs for what they are–hurtful violations against our personal worth or needs or convictions. Discussion questions offer an invitation to recognize that our disappointment, anger, and grief are not only normal, but necessary. The hope is that at the end of these five group conversations, we will see fruit from the thought, effort, and prayer we invested. Is there any better way to spend one hour a week this summer than to experience God’s guidance and comfort as we move toward emotional freedom? Registration opening soon!
