November 2008

Pastor's Perspective

The election is almost over!  Or, since this stays on the web page, it will be over for most of the month of November.  It has been a long campaign.  For about two years different people have been jockeying for the opportunity to be the President of the United States.  It is a noble call and a responsibility.  Whoever occupies the White House come January will need our prayers.

I try to keep in mind that, as believers, we are fortunate to hold dual citizenship.  We are citizens of the United States and citizens of the Kingdom of God.  While the presidency and Congress change as members change, the Kingdom remains firm to the end.

Each sphere requires participation.  We are asked to vote, pay taxes, obey the laws of the land, and generally be good citizens in this country.  The Kingdom has requirements too:  believe and obey.  Each sphere has benefits too.  We enjoy a wonderful standard of living, relative peace and security in a stable political environment as citizens of America.  As citizens of the Kingdom, we enjoy a peace that passes understanding, the benefits of supply and abundant mercy.  And, when it is all said and done, HEAVEN!

Regardless of what happens on November 4th, Jesus is still on the throne!

Pastor Ron

The First Thanksgiving Day Observance
A proclamation signed by George Washington in 1789:

"It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor."

Women's Ministry Craft Night

The CKCC Women's Ministry will be having another Craft Night on Wednesday, November 12, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the church.  Bring your project and work on it with other "crafty" women.  Even if you are not working on a craft, join us for a fun time of fellowship ... and bring a recipe for the cookbook!

Thanksgiving at The River Food Pantry

For the past two years we have helped The River, a Christian food pantry in Madison, with their Thanksgiving meal.  Again this year they are asking for our help in providing the turkey for their meal which will be served on Friday, November 21.  You are asked to prepare a turkey (at least 12 pounds), debone it and bring it to the church on Thursday, November 20.  JOY will take all the ones from CKCC to The River.  Please sign up so we can send you all the instructions.  Check out The River at www.theriver-madison.org.

Thanksgiving Eve Service

We will be gathering together as a congregation to give thanks on Wednesday, November 26, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.  We are hoping to have a choir sing at that service, but we need more than the three people who have so far said they will sing!  Please let Julie know right away if you want to participate.

Bible Study continues

The weekly Bible study on the Gifts of the Spirit (studying I Corinthians 12-14) will continue in November on Thursday, November 13, and Thursday November 20, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the church.  Join us!  The study will not be held on November 6 or November 27.

Operation Christmas Child

Once again this holiday season, CKCC is participating in the Samaritan's Purse project called Operation Christmas Child, "the unique project that enables caring people to share God's love with hurting girls and boys in the far corners of the globe.  Take an ordinary shoe box, fill it with toys and other presents, and you have an extraordinary gift for a child in need of joy and hope.  Most important, these shoe boxes provide opportunities for local believers to tell children about Jesus Christ through Gospel literature and evangelism programs."

Brochures are available at CKCC that give complete information on how to participate.  Pick one up today.  The boxes must be returned to CKCC by Sunday, November 23.

Message from Colombia, South America

This month our letter from Colombia was written by Alethia Stendal, the daughter of missionaries Russell and Marina Stendal whom CKCC support.

My grandparents (Chad and Pat Stendal, also CKCC missionaries) are doing better than ever.  They do a wonderful job speaking at churches across North America about the work in Colombia.  As the Lord is restoring my grampa's health, we're hoping to get him a mule to facilitate his travel up the mountains to the Kogi tribes.

Meanwhile my mother and father (Russell and Marina) are able to work full time in spreading the Gospel in war-torn eastern Colombia.  Aunt Gloria is involved in continuing the ministry with the Kogi Indians that my grandparents started years ago.

Countless stories can be told of people all over North America who believe that this work in Colombia is truly something God has begun and will bring about to fruition, and who have (in the way God has shown them do so) helped us.  Years and years of sowing could not have been possible otherwise.  Just as our Lord Jesus multiplied the fish and the bread that the little boy gave, He has multiplied in incredible ways what You've given.

My family and I are forever grateful for your faithful heart in backing this work.  One thing the Lord has shown me is that He is able to use the most seemingly ordinary people like you and me to do the most extraordinary things.

God bless you all!

Alethia Stendal