Friday, August 31, 2012

5th Quarter Tonight after the Big Game!

Don't Miss It!
Come on over to Campbellsville Christian Church after the game until midnight!
Pizza, Pop, and Prizes!

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Get Linked Up

I dialed up 3 articles for today's edition of Get Linked Up.  Enjoy!

  1. Don’t Let Your Eyes Fool You, God Is Working - Great story of change in one teen's life.  How often do we judge whether people are  "getting it" or not before we've even had a conversation?
  2. The positive impact of negative feedback - It sounds harsh.  It's uncomfortable.  It doesn't feel like right.  But should we be more honest with our feedback?  Love to hear your opinions on this article in the comments below. 
  3. You Can Be a Mentor - If you've checked out your formational goals on your bookmark, you might have picked up on an emphasis for mentoring as part of discipleship.  I would bet that several of us are stuck in the very dilemma, this author presents.  Check out the article and be inspired to mentor.
Taking Root,
Blake

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

5th Quarter and a Pool Party this Weekend!


What a better chance to have a 5th quarter than when cross-town rivals play each other!  We'll open the doors at 10 pm (or after the game if it ends before 10..) and be here until midnight!  What a great chance for students to spend time together in a safe environment and be encountered with the love of Jesus through our actions.  We'll have movies playing, giveaways, a 3-on-3 Tourney, games, and of course pizza for everyone!

I'm in need of chaperones for this event.  
If you are free from 10-12 Friday, contact me and come hang out with us!


This coming Sunday night we will have a Pool Party for all of our middle & high school students.

With it being Labor Day weekend, our small groups will take a break and we will party in a pool instead!  The Party will be at the Hale's home from 6:30-8:00 pm.  If anyone needs directions, please contact the church or Blake.

Hope to see you a lot this weekend!

Taking Root,
Blake

What's Up Wednesday!


I wanted to take some time on Wednesday to keep you in the loop on some of the material we are covering in youth and children's programming.  This isn't exhaustive, but it gives you some ideas for conversation starters!

Children


Children's Church - Children will have new teachers in children's church this week.  Start the conversation by asking who their teacher was and one thing they remember from their time in children's church.

Root 252 - We're doubling up on Moses and covering the 10 commandments.  For a great follow-up activity, reward your child for memorizing the 10 commandments.

Children's Devotions - We're focusing on scripture memory in this program and this week's verse is Psalm 1:2.  Remember, Children's Devotion will not meet this Sunday night due to Labor Day Weekend!

Youth


FUEL - The next few weeks in FUEL we will look at how Rooted in God's Love affects students.  Tonight we are on week 2 with the focus being on Loving Others in Community, through Service, and with Discipleship.  Utilize the bookmarks and talk to your teens about the areas that they can grow in.  Help them make a plan for growth!

Small Groups - This Sunday night is off due to Labor Day Weekend!  Pool Party at the Hale's!

Middle School Sunday School - This group is nearing the end of a study on the Trinity.  Ask them to explain the Trinity (loaded question!), or simplify it and ask the difference between God and the Holy Spirit, etc.

High School Sunday School - We are a couple weeks into a study of 1 Corinthians.  Ask them about what the culture of Corinth was like or some characteristics of the people.  Ask how Corinth compares to modern day America.  Also, scripture memory for this week is 1 Corinthians 4:5.  Follow up from last week by asking about why we judge people or how Christians respond when they are judged.

Monday, August 27, 2012

This Week's Wins!


  • We taught our middle school and high school group the Jewish prayer known as Shema!  It was a ton of fun at FUEL this past Wednesday as adults and students alike spoke the following prayer:

    Sh'ma Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Ehad

  • I really want to thank everyone who picked up their children after Sunday school!  It makes such a difference in the efficiency and effectiveness of the ministry!  Plus, what a great comfort for those who have never attended our church before!

  • Great finale to our introduction of the Rooted in God's Love initiative!  I am really excited to hear and see stories of how people are striving to become ROOTED!  Here's a pic from the tree dedication at Miller Park!
    Several gathered to dedicate the tree at Miller Park!
  • There is just a "buzz" that seems to be happening amongst our community of believers that I LOVE!  Eagerly anticipating what God has in store for each of us individually and collectively!

  • Still can't believe how well the "Tree" song fits with this initiative!  Here's the song on youtube!


Taking Root,
Blake

Stop by #ccc after the game this Friday! Eagles AND Cardinals are invited!



via Instagram http://instagr.am/p/O1it1biVI3/

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Get Linked Up!

We have a little bit of everything in this week's edition of Get Linked Up. Enjoy!

Cool infographic on how teens use of media, especially digital media is changing.

What the Gospel demands of parents
Great notes from this sermon on Biblical parenting by Sam Luce!  

Is it a good opportunity or a God-opportunity?
Struggling with what step to take next?  Aaron Chambers has written several questions to help you along the way.

It's not for the faint of heart, and while I can't say that I agree completely with everything written, I can say with confidence that there are a TON of truths and GREAT tips for navigating the scary road of talking about sex and sexuality with your children.  This e-book has resources for parents with children from preschool through high school.  You will have to sign-up for an email list from epicparent.tv to receive the free download.

It plays out in almost every area of life.  Do we follow the rules at all cost or extend grace?  Is religion keeping you from relationship with some one?  Good read.

That's all for now!  Hope you find ways to grow deeper in Christ and show his love for others today!

Taking Root,
Blake

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

What's Up Wednesday

I wanted to take some time on Wednesday to keep you in the loop on some of the material we are covering in youth and children's programming.  This isn't exhaustive, but it gives you some ideas for conversation starters!

Children


Children's Church - We've been working through Exodus.  Last week we covered plagues and this week hits on the actual exodus of the Israelite people.  Ask questions about Moses, the power of God, or some of the miracles that God perfomed.

Root 252 - We're doubling up on Moses and covering the 10 commandments.  For a great follow-up activity, reward your child for memorizing the 10 commandments.

Children's Devotions - We're focusing on scripture memory in this program and this week's verse is Psalm 1:1.  The New Century Version (NCV) is a great version to use for children memorizing!  It is written on the 3rd grade level and allows the to process the words they are memorizing.

Youth


FUEL - The next few weeks in FUEL we will look at how Rooted in God's Love affects students.  Utilize the bookmarks and talk to your teens about the areas that they can grow in.  Help them make a plan for growth!

Small Groups - Our small groups are hitting on some of the core principles of how spiritual growth happens.  Ask questions that challenge your teen to think about whether or not they are growing and whether or not they want to.  Also, small groups are pushing healthy peer relationships.  Talk to your teen about how they function within the group.

Middle School Sunday School - This group is nearing the end of a study on the Trinity.  Ask them to explain the Trinity (loaded question!), or simplify it and ask the difference between God and the Holy Spirit, etc.

High School Sunday School - We are a couple weeks into a study of 1 Corinthians.  Ask them about what the culture of Corinth was like or some characteristics of the people.  Ask how Corinth compares to modern day America.  Also, scripture memory for this week is 1 Corinthians 3:16.

Monday, August 20, 2012

This Week's Wins

Glad to be a part of the community of believers here at CCC this week!  Here were a few of the highlights from my seat..


  • The new programs connected to Rooted in God's Love have gotten off to a really great start!  There is so much to celebrate with the kickoff of these programs!  Attendance has been awesome, participants have engaged, and everyone really seems to be investing in their spiritual growth!  Looking forward to taking root with everyone here..
  • It was well worth getting my head shaved after what our kids did for Blood:Water Mission!  Much to several of the kids dismay, my hair is growing back pretty fast..
  • It was really cool to see and hear about the real community being developed amongst our adults through small groups!  People shared on a whole new level!  Looking forward to that opening doors to all kinds of new growth..
  • 1st Service Children's Church has been a lot of fun!  Yesterday we learned that My God has MORE POWER!  Glad that we are connecting families through this ministry.
  • Youth Leaders are making an impact!  It was really encouraging when a student yesterday in Sunday school referenced her FUEL group leader from Wednesday night!  Youth and Children's leaders, when you build relationships, you are making a difference!!!
  • We're already needing to split JH Small Groups!! It's a good problem!
I'm sure I'm forgetting things, but I'm celebrated out for now!  Have a great Monday!

Taking Root,

Blake

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Get Linked Up!

Took a few days off as we hit the madness of Fall Kickoffs; They all started with a BOOM last night!  More on that in the upcoming This Week's Wins post on Monday.

For now, here's some articles of interest I picked up on this week.

Jon Acuff, one of my favorite online writers, wrote this post about Why his kids won’t use social media any time soon.  Not sure I agree with every thing he says, but a lot of great thoughts on when to let your children enter into the world of social media.

I was challenged by this article:  The Top 10 Verses For Every Preacher to Highlight in His Bible We may not all be preachers, but this list of verses is a pretty strong set for all of us who are called to the Great Commission.

As the father of the first Lawyer girl in 4 generations, I really enjoyed, and could see myself, in this article by Carlos Whitaker:  5 Reasons Why Having A Little Girl FIRST Is Better For A New Dad

Bumbo seats got recalled.  My world was shaken by this truth yesterday.  Humorous article on 8 New Ways to Use Your Recalled Bumbo Baby Seat

Pretty thorough list of PRACTICAL WAYS TO HELP CHILDREN GROW SPIRITUALLY .  As a new parent, I'd love to hear in the comments which ones you veterans think are worth investing in.  After all, I want to help my child be Rooted in God's Love.

And for your viewing pleasure...
I lost my hair last night!  More details on Monday...
Taking Root,
Blake

Thursday, August 9, 2012

This Sunday Night: Connection

Signed up for a small group?

Not sure about small groups?

Looking to take a new step in your faith?

Not sure where to plug in at CCC?

Connection this Sunday night might help answer any of the above questions.  Any person headed into grade 6 through headed into triple digit birthday is encouraged to attend and get oriented to how groups will work here at CCC.

Students, if you can, fill out your commitment form ahead of time and bring it with you.  You can find it on the Docs and Forms page.

Childcare will be provided.

If you have any questions about connection, please contact Rodney Booe.

Taking Root,
Blake

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Children's Ministry Training

Tonight, if you work with our children in any capacity, their is a training meeting for the upcoming fall programs.

We value you as part of our team and want to get you ready for the next chapter in Children's Ministry here at CCC!

Youth Band: First Practice Aug 12 @ 5 pm

Yup, title pretty much says it all!

Bring your application if you haven't already.  If you need an application, check out the Docs and Forms page.

Taking Root,
Blake

Monday, August 6, 2012

This Week's Wins

What a great week to bring summer to a close and get ready for school!  ESPECIALLY during weeks like this that I'm reminded I LOVE MY CHURCH!  Here's 7 things that are super cool...


  • Website - As part of our Rooted in God's Love initiative, we've launched an all new website!  Check it out at www.campbellsvillechristianchurch.com or use the links at the top of the blog.
  • Tree - If you missed yesterday or didn't open your eyes when you walked through the foyer, there's a pretty large cherry tree in it.  AWESOME.  What's even cooler is that as a climax to the Rooted preaching series, we're going to plant that tree in Miller Park as a visual reminder of our desire to be Rooted in God's Love.  AWESOMER.  Baseball in the Spring + Blooming Cherry Tree = AWESOMEST.  I think I just made up words...
  • Initiative - Have I mentioned Rooted in God's Love?  Yeah, GREAT stuff!  Get here the next few weeks and find out what it's all about.
  • Seth Johnson - This guy continues to amaze me.  Cello, piano, video work, you name it and he has risen above the challenge!  With him I feel like you can always say, the best is yet to come.  Click on his name and friend him on facebook.
  • Expedition Celebration - Always blessed to celebrate what God has done and is doing with his people!  Congrats to Kassie Miller and Brittany Speer, the champions of this year's Expedition!  In the near future I hope to get video footage from the summer available on the blog.  Here's a few pics from the night:
    Survivors 2012!
    A great group of seniors!
    Several members of this years Top 10!

    Jack & Kassie sabotaged each other.
    The Saboteur Award winners had to hug to signify a truce.
  • Ms. Clora - Ms. Clora is a member of our congregation that is unable to attend church any longer.  I was so encouraged when I was handed this note from her this morning written to a group of students who went and visited her:

    Thank you for coming to see me and please come back! - Ms. Campbell

    I still don't know who it was, but I'm proud of you!  AWESOME WIN!
  • KidServe Celebration - Our children keep amazing me!  When given the choice at celebration night this past week to buy toys with their tickets or donate them to Blood:Water Mission, they gave!  To the tune of $180!  It was awesome to see their generosity kick in!  We are still tallying final numbers to see how many African people will receive water because of our children's efforts!  As a result of these efforts, I'M GOING BALD!  On August 15 at the end of ROOT 252 (Our new Wednesday night Children's Program) I will be shaving my head!  Kids, don't miss it!


Thursday, August 2, 2012

Get Linked Up!

All kinds of nuggets from the world of blogs this week; check it out!

Jon Acuff shared this from a church bulletin he came across.  Who all are we actually inviting in?
I wish every church said what this church says in their bulletin …

We always talk about living out your faith during the week.  This article tackles what that looks like in the workplace.
Living Out Your Faith…At Work

Couldn't agree more with these sentiments.  Get out your stationary!
Email sucks… write a real note and communicate value!

Rumors.  Wouldn't it be nice if they were nonexistent?  This article gives a great idea.

The Power of Prayer plus a Childlike Faith is a deadly combo.  This article talks about teaching your children to pray for others.
Teaching Kids How to Pray for Others

Oh Yeah.  Somebody said there's been some kind of blow up about Chick-Fil-A??  Here's the best thoughts I've seen.
BEN & JERRY’S, CHICK-FIL-A & POLITICAL CORRECTNESS

Enjoy!

Blake

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

I'm Stressed by Back to School!

Transitioning seasons is always stressful.  Finishing one thing while starting another is just plain difficult!  We're transitioning seasons here at CCC as well, and, by nature, it can be stressful.  Here's 3 ways to reduce the stress of everyone involved in your faith community.


  1. Take ownership of knowing where you plug in at church.  Take the initiative to figure out now where you and each member of your family will be plugging into church activities throughout the fall.  Balance your schedule by asking, "Am I plugging into a smaller community of believers that can sharpen me?" and "Am I loving others by serving?"

  2. Make sure your schedule is realistic.  This one is tough for me personally.  Overcommitting is the fastest way to feeling guilty.  Say no now and feel temporary guilt or feel guilty again and again as you find yourself unable to keep a commitment.  This is closely tied with your priorities.  Will your spiritual development be a priority you commit to or something you will feel guilty for not being able to keep your commitment to?

  3. PRAY! Pray for Joe, Rodney, Blake, Kari Jo, and Billy.  Pray for the teachers and leaders of your families groups.  Pray for your kids.  It doesn't have to be a beautifully developed prayer.  A simple, "God guide ______ to live his/her life for you today, and give him/her the wisdom to make decisions that honor you." will do
As my mom always told me, "We're too blessed to be stressed!"

Taking Root,
Blake