en Association of Free Lutheran Congregations http://www.christcommunityonline.net © Copyright 2000 - 2008Church Community Builder. All Rights Reserved. http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=189 Thanksgiving Eve Service with Willow Brook Church Wednesday, November 26 7:00 p.m Come, let us join together and give thanks to the Lord! Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:40:37 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=191 Thanksgiving Eve Service Wednesday, November 26 7:00 p.m We will hold a joint Thanksgiving Eve Service with Willow Brook Church in the sanctuary. Come, let us join together and give thanks to the Lord! Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:39:14 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=194 Christmas Eve Service Wednesday, December 24 7:00 p.m. Let's join together and celebrate the "Reason for the Season," Jesus Christ, who came to us to bring light to all the world. May the true joy of Christ-mas fill our hearts and resonate within each of us. Come, Let Us Adore Him! Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:38:27 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=69 Christmas Eve Service Wednesday, December 24 7:00 p.m. Let's join together and celebrate the "Reason for the Season," Jesus Christ, who came to us to bring light to all the world. May the true joy of Christ-mas fill our hearts and resonate within each of us. Come, Let Us Adore Him! Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:34:43 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=177 Our Governmental Representative Contacts As Christians we are encouraged to be active participants in our government. If you would like to contact any of our government representatives, please call them at the phone number listed, write them at the listed address or to email them click on the link for their email address. US SENATORS: Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat) 509 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington DC 20510 (202)224-4524 Email web address contact http://cardin.senate.gov/contact/ Barbara A. Mikulski (Democrat) 503 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington DC 20510 (202)224-4654 Email web address contact http://mikulski.senate.gov/Contact/contact.cfm US REPRESENTATIVE: Roscoe Bartlett (Republican, 6th District) 2412 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2006 (202)-225-2721 Email web address contact http://bartlett.house.gov/Email_Roscoe/ GOVERNOR: Martin O'Malley (Democrat) 100 State Circle, Annapolis Maryland, 21401-1925 (410)974-3901 or 1-800-811-8336 Email web address contact http://www.governor.maryland.gov/mail/ STATE REPRESENTATIVES from the house of delegates will vary depending on where you live. By entering your address at this web site you can find your local representatives - http://mdelect.net/electedofficials/ The majority of us are represented in the STATE SENATE by Donald F. Munson (Republican, District 2, Washington County) James Senate Office Building, Room 401 11 Bladen St. Annapolis, MD 21401 (410) 841-3609 , (301) 858-3609 1-800-492-7122 , ext. 3609 (toll free) Email web address contact http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/mdmanual/05sen/html/msa12155.html fax: (410) 841-3675, (301) 858-3675 Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:30:57 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=98 Tuesdays Christ Community Church is Praying for Boonsboro Elementary School, Our Community, and Our County The ECLN is the same group of churches and pastors who participated in the "Month to Talk About Sex" from a Biblical perspective to help in lowering the sexual immorality and the out of wedlock births in Washington County. Pastor Mark Benz is a member of a prayer team in the ECLN and they are asking churches to take a day or more every month to pray for a spiritual revival in our community and county. We, as a church family, will be praying for Boonsboro Elementary School, our neighbors, community and county every Tuesday! Wherever you are on Tuesdays, please set aside some time to lift up the need for spiritual revival to our Lord in prayer. "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:16 Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:30:57 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=55 "Caring & Sharing" Ministry Sunday, December 14 As part of our "Caring & Sharing" monthly ministry at Christ Community Church, we will be collecting canned food to benefit the Hagerstown "Salvation Army."Please place donations in the designated area in the church hallway on the date above. Thank you for sharing your God-given blessings with others! (Matthew 25:34-40) Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:30:57 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=190 Thanksgiving Eve Service Wednesday, November 26 7:00 p.m We will hold a joint Thanksgiving Eve Service with Willow Brook Church in the sanctuary. Come, let us join together and give thanks to the Lord! Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:27:52 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=187 Annual Congregational Meeting & Ministry Celebration Sunday, November 16 immediately after worship in Paden Hall We will have a "Mexican theme" covered dish dinner. Please bring a covered dish, Mexican if you'd like, and a dessert to share. If you are bringing a meat dish - please, no pork products. The congregational meeting will be held in Paden Hall after the dinner. The children will make fall crafts in another area during the congregational meeting. Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:27:52 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=107 Georgian Baby House Donations Sunday, November 30 We are collecting slacks, shirts, sweaters, undershirts and sleepers to send to the Georgian Baby House. The items do not need to be new items - just in good condition. Please remember the items are for babies and children up to 5 years of age. Please bring in your donations on October 26 and place them in the designated area in the hallway. Monetary donations are especially needed to cover the shipping and packing costs. If you have any questions, please see Jody or Linda Koontz. Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:27:52 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35&article_id=91 Sermon Messages The sermon messages are in .mp3 format and can be played with most digital audio players. If you would like to listen to one of our past sermons, please click on the desired date below:November 9, 2008 - Pastor Tim Crosby - "Death of a Prodigal"November 2, 2008 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Life Issues" (part 2)October 26, 2008 - Pastor Rich Carr - "I Need to Have a Reformation of Life" (part 1)October 19, 2008 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Faith and Action"October 12, 2008 - Pastor Rich Carr - "The Greatest Is the Least"October 5, 2008 - Pastor Mark Benz - "Being In the Family"September 28, 2008 - Pastor Mark Benz - "What A Family"September 21, 2008 - Pastor Rich Carr - Jesus Desires to Restore You (Restoration)"September 14, 2008 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Is There Enough Proof? (Apologetics)"September 7, 2008 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Be Prepared"August 31, 2008 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Are You Following the Law of Man or God?"August 24, 2008 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Truth On Trial" August 17, 2008 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Are We One In Unity?" August 10, 2008 - Pastor Rich Carr - "The Christian's Guide to Truth" August 3, 2008 - Pastor Mark Benz - "How Full Is Your Joy?" July 27, 2008 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Is Your Tool Box Full?"July 20, 2008 - Pastor Rich Carr - "What Will You Do With the Message of Jonah?" To read Pastor Carr's message "What Will You Do With the Message of Jonah?" click on the title. July 13, 2008 - Pastor Mark Benz - "Jesus, the Mighty Victorious Warrior"June 29, 3008 - Pastor Rich Carr - "What Is Following Jesus Worth To You?"June 22, 2008 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Will You Live If You Die"June 15, 2008 - Pastor Mark Benz - "What A Shepherd"June 8, 2008 - Pastor Rich Carr - "The Blind Are Made To See And Those That See Are Blinded"June 1, 2008 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Slave Or Son, Which Are You?"May 25, 2008 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Do You Have Water In Your Heart?"May 18, 2008 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Do the Work of God - Believe"May 11, 2008 - Pastor Mark Benz - "Jesus Is the Messiah"May 4, 2008 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Ripe for the Picking"April 27, 2008 - Pastor Mark Benz - "Who Is This Man - Jesus?"April 20, 2008 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Jesus Provides A Sign"April 13, 2008 - Pastor Rich Carr - "What's Your Testimony"April 6, 2008 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Jesus, Light of the World"March 30, 2008 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Jesus, the Eternal Word"March 23, 2008 (Easter Sunday) - Pastor Rich Carr - "Jesus Is Waiting for You" March 21, 2008 (Good Friday) - Pastor Tim Crosby - "How the World Was Won" March 21, 2008 (Good Friday) - Pastor Mark Benz - "The Soldier at the Cross of Christ" March 16, 2008 - Pastor Rich Carr - "The Importance Of the Word" March 9, 2008 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Works Of Our Heavenly Family" March 2, 2008 - Pastor Rich Carr - "What's In A Name?" February 24, 2008 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Your Heavenly Family On Earth" February 17, 2008 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Be Christ's Ambassador" February 10, 2008 - Pastor Paul Nash - "Power In the Pulpit" February 10, 2008 - Sermon Message Slides February 6, 2008 - Pastor Rich Carr (Ash Wednesday) February 3, 2008 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Are You Working For the Lord?" January 20, 2008 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Testifying About Christ" January 13, 2008 - Pastor Mark Benz January 6, 2008 - Pastor Mark Benz December 30, 2007 - Pastor Mark Benz December 24, 2007 - Pastor Mark Benz December 23, 2007 - Pastor Mark Benz December 16, 2007 - Pastor Mark Benz December 9, 2007 - Pastor Mark Benz December 2, 2007 - Pastor Mark Benz November 25, 2007 - Pastor Paul Nash October 28, 2007 - Pastor Paul Nash October 14, 2007 - Pastor Mark Benz October 7, 2007 - Pastor Mark Benz September 30, 2007 - Pastor Mark Benz September 23, 2007 - Pastor Mark Benz September 2, 2007 - Pastor Mark Benz Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:42:28 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24&article_id=24 Youth Group We are blessed with two active youth groups: Junior High Youth Group - grades 6-8 Senior High Youth Group - grades 9-12 Every Sunday 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Jeff and Jackie Kelley's home There is a Bible lesson, snacks, and games/activity. All youth are encouraged to bring their friends and parents. Leaders: Jeff and Jackie Kelley, Mark and Jayne Angle, Joe Boreni, Kirk Spitz and Andy and Lisa Koontz. To email our youth group contact person for information about our Youth Group click here. Tue, 11 Nov 2008 13:45:07 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=30 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=30&article_id=79 Saundra Alleman Jen Angle Virginia Angle Boonsboro Elementary School, Our Community, County & Country Pastor Mark Benz Bobby Bishop Brandt Brechbiel Cindy Brown Florence Brown Rachel Buffington Louise Buttman J.R. Butcher Tara Callander Naomi Carr Sharon Cohen Steve Coley, Jr. Pastor Tim Crosby Bethany Ferguson Dary & Anna Finck Jack Finniff Janet Foltz Bob Forrest Sheree Fristoe Benjamin Gantz Steve Gobin Julie Grecco Phyllis & Charles Groh Jennilee Hatcher Wanda Henson Isaiah Horst Jordan Horst Aleta Irving Kep & Debbie James Ryan P. Jones Pastor Jason & Michelle Kelley Ched Koontz Jody Koontz Dick Kopp Diane Kraemer Bunky Kurtz Joyce Lawson Lee Cody Lowry Jerome Martin Michelle Mathias John McCleary Betty Metz Faith Miller Dallas Monninger Frances Monninger Norm Moore Tom & Shirley Morrison Lawson Motley Family of Carrie Mowen Sophia Myers Paul Mundey David Muritz Keith Nash Joe Noland Patrick Mildred Pennington People of the Republic of Georgia Lori Powley Gavin Reid Ashley Rickards Naomi Rinehart Florence Ritterman Jessica Rogers Madeline Rogers Trystan Ryce John Salvaggio Jason Seaburn Ted Shank Randy Shirey Lori Shirk Pastor Ray Shriver Family of Doris Smith Mike Sigafoose Neil Spencer Randy Springer Denise Stahle Bill & Carolyn Sumans & Andrews Family Dave Swan Jenny Sykes Family of Tobin Triebel Mike & Caroline Trueman (in Canada) Teri Tucker Valery & Olga Brenda Wachtell Gavin Wagner Jennifer Walsh Mary Wasco John Weber Harriet Welch Jordan Wells Thomas Woody Sue Ann Wynn Isabelle Young John Zentner In the Military Kristin Berry Morgan Brown Christopher Fahlbush Danielle Fahlbush Jennifer Fahlbush Derrick Gallagher Miranda Gallagher Shane Harris Richard Kemble Mark Kusolnimit Mike Minnichbach Joshua Yount Mon, 10 Nov 2008 14:52:21 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=27 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=27&article_id=66 Worship Bulletins To view or print a copy of one of our Sunday Worship bulletins, please click on the desired date below: November 9, 2008 November 2, 2008 October 26, 2008 October 19, 2008 October 12, 2008 October 5, 2008 September 28, 2008 September 21, 2008 September 14, 2008 September 7, 2008 August 31, 2008 August 24, 2008 August 17, 2008 August 10, 2008 August 3, 2008 July 27, 2008 July 20, 2008 July 13, 2008 July 6, 2008 June 29, 2008 June 22, 2008 June 15, 2008 June 8, 2008 June 1, 2008 May 25, 2008 May 18, 2008 May 11, 2008 May 4, 2008 April 27, 2008 April 20, 2008 April 13, 2008 April 6, 2008 March 30, 2008 March 23 ,2008 March 16, 2008 March 9, 2008 March 2, 2008 February 24, 2008 February 17 ,2008 February 10, 2008 February 3, 2008 January 27, 2008 January 20, 2008 January 13, 2008 January 6, 2008 December 30, 2007 December 24, 2007 December 23, 2007 December 16, 2007 December 9, 2007December 2, 2007 November 25, 2007 November 18, 2007November 11, 2007 November 4, 2007 October 28, 2007 October 21, 2007 October 14, 2007 October 7, 2007 September 30, 2007 September 23, 2007 September 16, 2007 September 9, 2007 September 2, 2007 Mon, 10 Nov 2008 09:57:59 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23&article_id=40 Senior's Breakfast 9:00 a.m. first Saturday of each month at "Junction 808" at the corner of Virginia Avenue & Noland Drive, Hagerstown All seniors are welcome to join them for a time of wonderful uplifting fellowship and prayer! To email our "Senior's Breakfast" coordinator Pat Beard for more information click on her name. Tue, 4 Nov 2008 14:42:09 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24&article_id=179 The Youth Group Is Exploring "Skeptics Answered" In "Skeptics Answered," D. James Kennedy takes on some of the most-asked questions regarding the validity of the Christian faith and provides factual, well-reasoned answers. In clear, unassuming language, he examines the reliability of the Bible, the nature of God, and Christian faith in the face of life's harsh realities. Tue, 4 Nov 2008 10:39:37 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24&article_id=51 2007 Youth Mission Trip to Rutland, VermontYouth Jennifer Angle, Marcus Angle, Samue Angle, Kalyn Berry, T.J. Boreni, Kara Henson, Emily Horst, Lucas Horst, Spencer Horst, Katie Koontz, Kelsey Koonyz, Matt Koontz, Sean Koontz, Zach Koontz, Julie Lewis, Maggie Rishel, Marco Rotini, Jack Schwartz, Maureen Schwartz, Jacob Shriver & Shannon Sullivan. Adult Leaders Jayne Angle, Alicia Fridgen, Ty Fridgen & Ray Shriver Tue, 4 Nov 2008 10:33:24 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24&article_id=186 2008 Youth Group Retreat to Camp Koinonia in NY Youth: Sam Angle, T.J. Boreni, Erica Deatrich, Ethan Fristoe, Luke Giancola, Kevin Henson, Kara Henson, Emily Horst, Julia Horst, Spencer Horst, Kelsey Koontz, Matt Koontz, Sean Koontz, Andrew Lewis, Julie Lewis, Shalom Muthoka, Stephanie Breem, & Andrew Spitz. Adults: Jayne Angle, Pastor Rich Carr, Kathy Deatrich, Kirk Spitz, Gwen Wilson, & Josh Wilson. Click here to see photos of the Youth Retreat. Tue, 4 Nov 2008 10:32:58 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25&article_id=193 "Man on the Wall - How Nehemiah Sets an Example for the American Church to Follow" by Richard Carr "Article excerpted from the November 2008 issue of "The Lampstand" This is an analysis of a small section of Scripture from a relatively obscure book in the Old Testament. This book is designed to rekindle a fire that many have allowed to burn out. That fire is a love and passion for the little known books of the Old Testament. Looking back on my growth as a Christian I can point to specific times when I made giant leaps forward in my understanding and love for God and His Word the Bible. For an unfortunate length of time in my early Christian life I had a poor view of the Old Testament. I once viewed this section of the Bible as outdated, and relatively pointless to the modern Christian. I read the Old Testament because that was expected of Christians, not because I wanted to. I lacked any enthusiasm, zeal, or drive to read the Old Testament. My view of the Old Testament was to quickly change when I entered seminary, as was my perception of a seminary professor name Jerry Holmaas. This man was everything an aspiring Jewish Rabbi should be. Professor Holmaas sometimes reminded me of that Jewish farmer named Tevye from the movie Fiddler on the Roof. He had the right sized beard, the bright playful eyes that seemed to dance as he taught his love of the Old Testament, and even read and spoke Biblical Hebrew. Since I was a brash young seminarian, I would often sit right in the very front of the class dead center, practically under his nose. As a Pittsburgh Steeler fan, living and going to school in a suburb of Minneapolis, I felt it my duty to taunt my fellow seminarians about their junior varsity "Professional" football team named the Vikings. Professor Holmaas really didn't care much as he was a Green Bay Packer fan, and disliked the Vikings as much or more than me. What I quickly discovered was that Professor Holmaas not only cared about his teaching of the Old Testament, but that he cared about brash young "pastors to be." One day when I was on the verge of breaking down from the stress and strain of my studies Professor Holmaas stopped the class and we just talked about how our lives were going. We as a class encouraged each other and I left class that day feeling like I could go on. He prefaced this "encouragement hour" as something he liked to do at least once a year to see how the class was doing. Of my three years of classes he never did that again. I think he knew that I needed help, and I needed it then. If it wasn't for his and other people's help, I may not have gotten through that time in my life. So it gives me great pride to dedicate this first official book of mine to him. My understanding is that he has moved on to take a congregation as a pastor again. I know that the congregation he pastors will be blessed to have a man that loves his savior Jesus, the Scriptures (especially the Old Testament), and people. This book is not intended to be a commentary. This is not another "5 step approach to a better life," or a "how to make your life happier book." This book was born from a movement I believe God stirred in my heart. This movement stems from what I see as the decay of the American Christian Church. I do not speak as an authority on the Bible as I do not have a degree from an "accredited" seminary (although I believe my training was far more rigorous and Bible focused than the majority of "Lutheran" seminaries), nor can I speak from 30 years of experience as a pastor. What I can do is communicate to you what I believe needs to happen with us before we as a culture, church, and world move past the point of no return. I encourage you to read this work of mine along with a Bible in hand. Don't take my word for it, look into your Bible, pray and ask God to give you clarity regarding this section of Scripture and allow God to work in you, your own conviction and zeal based on and for the Holy Written Word. Chapter 1 Is There A Problem? As I was mediating on the state of our nation, and the ongoing beginnings of our church's call to repentance, prayer, and fasting I started thinking a lot about the book of Nehemiah. I have learned over time that often God speaks to me through very subtle ways like a desire to read something or a thought that just won't go away. I often hear stories of how God motivates people to do some work of His, yet the person fights that call or urge. So instead of ignoring this inner, small, still voice I followed it. I read the introduction to the book of Nehemiah and just after the first chapter I had a page of notes and an idea. Before I go any further let me back-up and explain a bit about the book of Nehemiah. Basically Nehemiah is a record of a great leader living in exile who was moved by God to perform a seemingly impossible task. The city of Jerusalem had been savaged by the Babylonians and all the gates, and most of the protective walls around the city had been destroyed. A new world superpower (the Persians) was on the scene and took over Babylon. That allowed the Jews to begin to assume their national identity again, and the Jews living in exile slowly started to return to Jerusalem. Nehemiah was still in exile (meaning he was living outside of his home country), yet he had a great amount of power and influence because he was the Persian King's cupbearer. This job meant that he had the King's ear, as well as some friendship of the King's. When the King saw that Nehemiah was sad, and the reason for this sadness was the ruined capital city of Israel, the King sent Nehemiah on his way to rebuild the city walls, and gates. Now that you have a brief explanation of the events behind Nehemiah and the city of Jerusalem let me start again to share my vision with you how we as a church, and in fact a nation fit into God's plan for restoration. First I see a clear resemblance to the American church and the city of Jerusalem. We as a church have allowed our gates and walls to be destroyed. We Christians have stood by with a feeling of helplessness and watched our country get swallowed into spiritual darkness. We have allowed our government funded agencies like Planned Parenthood to legally kill babies both in the womb and out of the womb. It was not until August of 2002 that babies born alive through a failed abortion had the right to medical care and therefore allowed to live. Despite this right that post-aborted babies have to medical care, there are still documented cases where babies born alive are still not given proper care and are left to die. Until this federal law was passed, babies that survived induced labor to expel the "fetus" from the mother were left on tables to die. Two nurses that worked at a hospital named (oddly enough) Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn, Illinois testified before the U.S. Congress about the horrors of what can only be called infanticide. Registered Nurse Jill Stanek said of one of the babies that survived the failed abortion, "The baby was healthy and had up to a 39% chance of survival, according to national statistics." Some babies who are victims of failed abortion attempts have lived despite neglect and abandonment by abortion doctors and nurses. One such event happened in Vancover, British Columbia Canada where a little baby was born alive from a failed abortion and left to die in a plastic bowl sitting on top of a stainless steel table. After about an hour of waiting the hospital finally decided to render care, the infant survived but has permanent brain damage from loss of heat after the birthing process. Some Christians are quick to pick up the charge against these vile abortions, yet they wallow in other sins like sexually immorality. This sin has unfortunately left a mark in practically every Christian home in some way or another. To make ourselves feel better about this sin we have changed from knowing and understanding that sexual immorality (pre-martial sex, homosexuality, prostitution, and pornography) is wrong and sinful, to allowing and even condoning it! In fact the church today is leading the charge to help people wrongly see that sexual sins like the above mentioned are not in fact sinful. The issue of acceptance of the homosexual lifestyle has become one of the major platforms many church bodies have strove to adopt. Many church bodies including the largest Lutheran church body the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) have made steps in recognizing homosexual activity acceptable and even healthy for Christians. While some Christian churches are quick to denounce the sin of homosexuality, these same churches turn a blind eye to heterosexuals having sex outside of marriage. The culture's promotion of sex outside of marriage through television and movies, the exponential growth of the pornography industry, and even President Clinton's redefining what sex is while in office as the President have all come together to desensitize our culture and churches to the sin of sexual immorality. The American church has embraced and even encouraged what was once understood as sin, and denounced those that still hold to a traditional Biblical worldview. The church as a whole has stopped preaching and living the Bible, and instead has adopted a message to tickle our ears and make us feel good about ourselves. We have allowed public schools to teach theories like evolution as fact, and denied the ability of teachers to lead their classes in prayer. We have sat by and watched our pocketbooks grow fat, and our spiritual bodies shrivel and die. If ever there was a time for a leader like Nehemiah to step forward and lead us as a people to rebuild our "walls and gates," now is the time. While I would never be so bold as to label myself as another "Nehemiah," I will however help you to see the process he took to effect change and start the rebuilding. Nehemiah 1:4-11 is a prayer that contains 7 aspects that we must internalize and do ourselves, if we hope to begin the rebuilding of the American church, and our country. If you are alarmed and grieved by the American church, if you thirst for renewal and restoration, if you are ready to see God rescue our culture and families from this mess that we have made for ourselves then this study into a small and obscure book of the Old Testament is the medicine that you and our church needs. Bush, Transcript of Remarks made by President George W. "Remarks by the President in Signing of H.R. 2175, Born Alive Infants Protection Act ." President Signs Born-Alive Infants Protection Act . Pittsburgh: Office of the Press Secretary, 5 August 2002. Strom, Ron. World Net Daily. 25 April 2005. 21 August 2008 http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=43962. Transcript of the Subcommittee on the constitution; Committee on the Judiciary U.S. House of Representatives, Hearing on H.R.4292, The "Born-Alive Infant Protection Act of 2000" Thursday, July 20, 2000. Priests for Life. . Youth For Life "Survivors of Abortion Attempts" accessed September 2, 2008 http://members.tripod.com/~joseromia/survivors.html Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:07:28 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25&article_id=184 "The Rest of the Story" "Article excerpted from the September 2008 issue of "The Lampstand" Have ever gone to a really good restaurant and ordered a small portion and despite the cost, fat, calories, and the stares, you were going to order another plate of food because it is so good? Brenda and I split our meals when we go out oftentimes because most portions are too large for an average adult, and it saves money. There was a couple that took us out to a small little German restaurant and Brenda suggested we split our dinner. I agreed and we started to decide on our meal. When I saw the sausage, potato dumpling, and sauerkraut meal I had to get it. Brenda being smarter than me decided on a a dish that was less fattening, better for us, and something we would both probably like. I decided I needed to order my own meal because those sausages were calling my name out. There was nothing left on the plate when I was done! Sometimes when I get involved in something like eating a good meal, reading a good book, or watching a series on TV I really have a hard time stopping. Maybe it's an addictive personality, or maybe I just like to immerse myself in what I do. Whatever the case, it has happened again, except this time it is with a writing of mine. I really felt like God was moving me to cast a vision for our church for the month of September and beyond. This was done through a reading of Nehemiah. I told Denise to give me plenty of room in the monthly publication because this was going to be a bit longer than my usual. After 4 pages and still not being half way through, and holding back on the detail I wanted to get into I realized that I needed to do something. Here it is. I will give you a teaser. What I will give you next, hopefully sometime in early September, is as Paul Harvey says, "The rest of the story." I have always wanted to dabble in actually writing something to publish, and perhaps this could be one of my first pieces. I would be honored to have you my church family read it first. So without further ado here is your appetizer. As I was moved to think and ponder the man Nehemiah and his daunting task of rebuilding the walls and gates that were broken down in Jerusalem, I started to again see the parallels with our culture and the Jews living in Jerusalem. Our walls of protection have been destroyed, and our gates have been removed allowing filth, garbage, and enemies into our hearts and lives as Americans. As with the city of Nineveh, now is the time to act. We are being called to hold the line. We need to stand up and fight back. Not with guns, bombs, and aircraft. We are to fight back with holiness, purity, and righteous indignation. Nehemiah has an awakening to the distress of his homeland and people. He recognizes the problem and takes action. The steps he takes are steps that I believe we also must take. Apathy and fear kept the Jews living in a vulnerable state as a nation. Apathy and fear are keeping American Christians, specifically Christ Community Church largely ineffective and stymied. As with my earlier vision I cast, prayer needs to be the center piece of our restoration. Instead of having only August be a month of prayer and repentance, I am calling on us as a church to signup for each day from 7-8:00 PM to pray for our culture, our church, and our people. Instead of just having prayer on Monday nights, lets have prayer every night! Even if only the family hosting the prayer time participates, this prayer can and will change us as a people. I will do my best to finish this short book, devotional, or whatever it is I'm doing soon, and hopefully it will be of great encouragement to you. Pastor Rich Carr Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:59:41 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25&article_id=178 "Wake Up With the Law" "Article excerpted from the August 2008 issue of "The Lampstand" Have you ever had one of those moments when you felt like everything was fine, the bills are paid, the kids are healthy, and your spouse is happy, and then all of a sudden you realize that everything was not as it seemed? Perhaps you were simply out of touch, or you weren't aware of some circumstance. More often than not, we let ourselves get "surprised" by life because we enjoy being ignorant or unaware of problems around us. We would rather not be aware that our marriage is on the brink of a divorce, or that our kids are experimenting with drugs, or that our job is about to be eliminated. It makes us uncomfortable to think that our lives are spinning out of control, or some aspect of our life is not as it should. That old adage, "ignorance is bliss" is true in many ways. The problem is that being ignorant can lead to some deadly consequences. It would be foolish to decide that it would be better to be ignorant of a nest of black widow spiders that is behind our couch, or that carbon monoxide leak from your furnace isn't all that bad. You wouldn't be ignorant for long, because you would be dead. Yet I ask you this question, are you ignorant of something that is just as deadly as carbon monoxide or black widow spiders? The book of James chapter one says that when sin is full grown it leads to death. You see, often times when sin starts taking a hold of someone it starts small. One little lie that won't hurt anyone, or just a quick look at pornography, or one little pill to give you that boost you need. To most these little sins are manageable and easy to live with. But they start to grow and get stronger and bigger. No longer are you able to speak honestly about anything because lying has become natural to you, now you are hanging out in gay bars to pick up someone for the night, or you are so addicted to drugs that you are stealing and even willing to kill to get your next fix of drugs. Finally you die chained to your sins and you end up in hell for eternity. Why did all this happen? Simply put, you felt like life was pretty good, that you had things under control. You were ignorant of the depth of depravity that you were sinking into. The first and greatest thing that mankind needs is the Law of God to wake us from our "blissful ignorance." God has given us His Word, which is recorded in the Bible. Within God's Word or the Bible there are two basic types of literature, the Law of God and the Gospel of God. The Law of God is more than just the 10 commandments, it is all Scripture that convicts us of sin or tells us how to live to avoid sin. The law's main purpose is to show us our desperate need for a savior from our sins. It can be rightly said that the law acts as a road sign pointing to where we must go. The book of Galatians chapter 3 verse 24 says, "Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith."(NKJV) The type of tutor spoken of in the original language was never the teacher as our understanding of a tutor might mean, but rather a person designed to watch for the student as he or she went to school. A tutor in that time would be almost like a guardian. The law then was not designed to teach us the mercies of God, and extol the greatness of God's sacrifice for us, but rather show us what miserable wretches we are and in need of forgiveness. Because few people like to be told that they are miserable sinners and going to hell, we in America have developed a concept of cheap grace. Many popular teachers try to help us understand how wonderful God is, and say things like God loves you and has a wonderful purpose for your life, and they fail to tell the listeners of their message that they are sinners separated from God because of their evil hearts, actions, and thoughts. In short many want to jump right into the Gospel, which is what God has done for us, without first sharing the law. If I knocked on your door in 90 degree weather and all I said was that you should step outside so you can be more comfortable and happy and you were inside a nice cool house with the AC cranked up you would shut the door and say I was a nut job. However, if I said that the back of your house is about to collapse into the flooded river running right against your house, and if you don't get out now you will die, you would listen and jump out of the house. This same understanding should be applied to the Law of God. We need to understand that we are all sinners and that without waking up and turning away from our sins we will one day soon die in our sins and end up in hell. We need to not begin telling people about the grace and mercy of God, but rather use the law to wake them up from their slumber in sin, and point out to them they have and are violating God's law, and must be punished as a result of it. By properly using the Law of God for ourselves and in our conversations with others, we and those we speak to will be properly prepared to understand and receive the Gospel of God, which is that God loves us, and paid the price for our sins so we don't have to. First we need to understand the danger of being ignorant of our sins, and then we need to help others understand that their ignorance is just as dangerous. So let's make some noise and wake up! Pastor Rich Carr Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:59:41 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25&article_id=175 "Look At Yourself" "Article excerpted from the July 2008 issue of "The Lampstand" Have you ever taken a good hard look at yourself? I mean the kind of look that searches your heart and examines your inner most being. This kind of look can be uncomfortable because it can cause us to come face to face with our greatest fears, or make us see the uglier side of ourselves. I believe that few of us today bother to stop and self reflect. We are so busy doing ministry, living our lives, planning our weekends, or just plain living that we don't spend a few hours and ponder the things that are in our hearts. What are you living for? Why are you here on earth? What is the meaning to your life? Where will you be in 20 years? These are all good questions. But perhaps the best question to ask is who do you serve? The 6th chapter of the book of Romans tells us that we are either slaves to sin which means we serve Satan, or we are slaves to righteousness which means we serve God. Bob Dylan wrote a song about this very truth. The chorus goes like this, "But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed- You're gonna have to serve somebody, Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord- But you're gonna have to serve somebody." My question to you is, who do you serve? Right now you are thinking "Well that's easy - I serve the Lord." In fact I would be willing to wager that everyone that answers this question has said they serve the Lord. But I want you to stop and really think about this question. What does it mean to serve God? Are you serving God with everything? Are you serving God with your time, talent, energy, and yes even your wallet? Do you really view all that you own as really God's? Do you see your children and their children as God's? If you really serve God, and are a slave to righteousness does your life reflect that? Do you know what God expects of you because you are daily reading His Word the Bible, or are you depending to get what you can out of a Sunday sermon? Do you serve God in your habits? This one convicted me! I found myself zoning out in front of the TV after a hard day at work, and a hard day at home with the kids. I felt I deserved some down time in front of the TV. All TV is not bad. Cable TV is not even bad. But if you are spending an hour a day in front of the TV and can't spend at least 15 minutes a day reading the Bible you have who you serve mixed up. Our time on earth is short. Christ is coming again, and He may have already come before this article is published. Don't say you serve the Lord, and are a slave to righteousness when you have placed idols of pleasure, greed, gluttony, laziness, pride, and all other types of false gods in your heart. Our God is a jealous God and He will not share the center of your life with false gods. Spend a few hours this week and pray and ask God to reveal idols that you are serving and worshiping in place of the one true God. Ask yourself about your habits, are you really able to say that your life reflects that of a servant to God? Don't wait to ask yourself who you serve, do it this week. Set aside some quiet reflective time, get a babysitter for the kids so you can pray and meditate on God's Word. Perhaps a good place to start reading is the book of Romans. Then try reading Isaiah or Jeremiah. Both of these prophets were called to minister to a people that turned their backs on God. This could be a very difficult task to do, but the rewards are eternal. God is a jealous God, but He is also a God that desires to forgive the sins of His people, and He wants to see us repent of our sins. Pastor Rich Carr Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:59:41 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25&article_id=162 "A Call To Repentance" "Article excerpted from the June 2008 issue of "The Lampstand" As I was reading the Bible during my own devotions I was convicted and moved in regards to our country and prayer. For my devotions I read through the book of Nahum, a relatively little known prophet found toward the end of the Old Testament. This book of the Bible records for us the second warning given to the city of Nineveh. If that city's name is familiar it is because that was the city that Jonah went to preaching the message that God was going to wipe them out. Much to Jonah's chagrin the whole city of Nineveh repented, and God spared the city from the promised destruction. If we fast forward about 100 years, which would be about one generation of people, the city again was being warned by a prophet of God that they were doomed for destruction if they did not turn from their sinful ways. Unfortunately this time they did not listen to the prophet God sent them, and their city, their nation, and their children were destroyed. In the three chapters (the entire book length) of Nahum, it is made clear that God is upset, and the people are doomed. No doubt some read through this book and only see a God of anger and wrath. Yet God still hints to the city of Nineveh, and us today, that He still is a forgiving God, and desires to see us repent and turn to Him, rather than be destroyed. Nahum 1:7 says, "The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him."(NKJV) The Lord through Nahum was telling the Nation of Assyria and the capital city of Nineveh that they were going to be destroyed, practically the whole book of Nahum writes of this; yet God gently proclaimed through this one verse that God was good, and would be the protector of the people and nation that trusts in Him. What was so wicked and perverse about Nineveh and Assyria was no different from the sins of Israel, God's chosen nation. Both countries worshiped idols, and cared more about themselves than the Lord. Yet God showed mercy and forgiveness to the Israelites, because of a promise. That promise was of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. God showed mercy to Nineveh in the past, and would do it again, if the people would simply humble themselves and seek after God. Unfortunately the city, and the whole people of the Assyrian Empire turned from God. What scares me is that we as Americans are very similar to Assyria. We have as a people and nation turned from God. California recently ruled to allow gay marriage. We offer human sacrifices by the thousands daily at stainless steel alters, so that we won't be bothered by unwanted children, and we call it abortion. People groups throughout the world are dying and going to hell because we are too lazy to send out missionaries to these countries. We no longer fear God. We look at church as a social club. Even "good" churches like ours have grown spiritually lazy. I say if we want to avoid the coming judgment that God has always shown on countries that ignore Him, we must be like Nineveh. Look back to Jonah and find what Nineveh did the first time when God proclaimed their coming destruction. Jonah records for us that Nineveh from the greatest to the least showed God their desire to repent by mourning and fasting. And then we are told that God saw that they had in fact turned from their evil ways. So God relented from punishing them. I suggest that for us as a nation to be moved to repent as a whole like Nineveh we need God's help. All the preaching, churches, programs, and church stuff we have will not change our nation - but God can. We as the remnant left in America need to go to God, through fasting and prayer - asking God to turn our country around. Ask God to give us as a people the desire to repent from our sins. Our nation is so screwed up that only God can fix it. And I believe that God wants to, He is just waiting to hear from us. Practically I think the beginning of this can be a series of prayer meetings held each day of the week for a month. What would happen if each day for a month a meeting would be held in a family's home and anyone from the church or the community could come and pray for healing in our land? Perhaps this goal is unrealistic, and we are too apathetic to really care. Maybe, but I know that if things are going to change for the better, change has to start with God's people. If you are interested in hosting one or two prayer meetings in the month of August, please call the office and sign up. I will be talking more about this concept in the coming months. If we want to change our country we need to start by humbling ourselves, and coming to the Lord. 2 Chronicles 7:14 "if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." (NKJV) Pastor Rich Carr Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:59:41 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25&article_id=154 "A History Lesson" "Article excerpted from the May 2008 issue of "The Lampstand" I recently took a short day trip to Washington D.C. with my family to see the cherry blossoms. As the seven of us tumbled out of our well worn mini-van and made our way to the first of the memorials that laid along the way to the cherry trees, I was moved to think of the many different men and women who made great sacrifices to make our country great. Our first memorial along our trek was that of George Mason. I must say I was taken aback by my ignorance of this historical figure. While I never have been a student of history the way some of my peers have been, I never considered myself ignorant of important historical figures. Yet here was a man that was fundamental in influencing our national Bill of Rights that provided a framework for our government. After attempting to coral our kids from climbing onto the bronze likeness of Mason, and keep them from trampling through the flower beds that were being worked on we moved on to the Jefferson memorial. This well known memorial provided much more than I had realized. The fact that there were public bathrooms, and shelter from the gusty winds was a relief. Yet my satisfaction with this monument was to run much deeper than mere physical comfort. While waiting for Brenda to help the kids in the bathroom, I started reading all the things about Thomas Jefferson that were inscribed on the walls and plaques that lined the inside of the lower half of the monument. I began to picture in my mind's eye what he might have been like. I started thinking about how hard life was like for our early countrymen. Jefferson contributed so much to the country, that as a result many people gloss over his many smaller contributions. He like Mason was opposed to slavery, he was also concerned for those that didn't have the same resources he had. The simplest things like efficient farming techniques and providing a library for research and "enlightenment" of information were important to Jefferson. I could have spent hours reading and learning more about Jefferson, yet unfortunately the natives were growing restless as they piled out of the bathroom, and assaulted me with 4 different directions that they wanted to go in. For my kids the simple act of pushing the button for the elevator to take us to the top of the memorial was significant, and therefore needed a children's council meeting to decide who would have the honor of pushing the last button on the elevator. After what seemed like eternity (yet was probably no more than 20 seconds) it was decided and we walked into a cramped elevator, and then out onto a vast open area that contained a giant statue of Jefferson and more quotes inscribed on the walls. As I read, I began to realize how myopic my world view had been. I began to see better how selfish I am and concerned more for my family's safety and welfare- than I am for the greater good of the kingdom of God and the United States. The story of Jonah is the story of Rich Carr. Instead of complaining to God when things don't work out for my best, I need to remember that the whole world is God's. God doesn't owe me anything, rather I owe God my all in all. After being enlightened by the history of our country I began to see that indeed God has blessed me with far greater blessings than I ever realized. How selfish I have been. How focused I was on my immediate issues. God asked Jonah a question at the end of the book of Jonah, and I will roughly paraphrase it to use in the context of my account - You have worried about the tiny things of your life, that I have richly given to you, yet you don't think of those that have less in this world and no living knowledge of the truth. Are these people as important to you, as they are to me? Pastor Rich Carr Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:59:41 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25&article_id=128 "Satan - Leader of the Fallen Angels" Article excerpted from the March 2008 issue of "The Lampstand" I was recently at our youth meeting and the topic that was discussed was Satan worship. I got the feeling that the stuff we talked about seemed too far fetched for some of the students to believe. Then I wondered, perhaps the adults also have questions about demons, Satan, and how this stuff came into being. Perhaps some have wondered what will eventually happen to these fallen angels. Is there really a ring leader called Satan? While I could not begin to present an in-depth study on demons and Satan in a few paragraphs, I will present a sketch of some basics about these fallen angels. At a point in time before the creation of mankind, God made angels. All of these angels were created perfectly and were all inherently good. The Scripture tells us that those angels that kept pure, and chose to continue to serve God are the elect angels (1 Timothy 5:21). There was another group of angels that sought to exalt themselves over God and rebelled against God instead of serving God. The ring leader was a magnificent angel named Lucifer. Lucifer which is often translated morning star, or son of morning is only used once in the Bible (Isaiah 14:12). Most know the name devil for describing this leader of the fallen angels or the word Satan. The word devil is generally used in our Bibles not as a title but as a term describing this fallen angel. The word devil comes from the Greek word meaning a false witness or wicked accuser. Satan is another title given to this leader of the fallen angels which generally refers to this angel as being the accuser of mankind. These fallen angels know that their doom is inevitable. Perhaps to cause God grief, and attempt to destroy God's pride of creation (mankind), they attempt to cause us harm in our bodies, earthly possessions, and our eternal souls. The greatest harm that is done to mankind is the deceiving and working of these fallen angels against our souls. By influencing mankind to not believe in the Gospel, Satan and his demons create an eternal punishment for all unbelieving mankind. They further do damage to mankind by targeting the church. Their attack is four fold. They constantly attempt to destroy the church physically as seen by the deaths of many believers throughout time. Knowing the power of the Word they attempt to discourage people from hearing the word of God (Luke 8:12). They spread false doctrine (Matthew 13:25, 1 Timothy 4:1), which we see very evident today. Lastly they seek to disrupt the work of the good angels (Revelation 12:7). The punishment for these fallen angels is eternal torment in hell. God has created hell for these demons to be punished. What is so dreadful about hell is that it was not built for punishment of mankind, but punishment of these fallen angels. However all unbelievers will share in this dreadful punishment if they are found without true faith and repentance in Christ. What does all of this mean? We should study these fallen creatures and understand them to better prepare ourselves against their attacks, but even more importantly so that we may look to the demons as a warning, so that we may escape their same judgment. We can also take heart and know that as born again Christians who trust there is nothing that we need to fear from Satan, or his fallen brethren - for through the blood of Christ we are protected from their attacks. Pastor Rich Carr Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:59:41 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25&article_id=112 "For Everything There Is A Season..." Article excerpted from the February 2008 issue of "The Lampstand" Wow, now I know what a VCR machine stuck in fast forward feels like! The past couple of months have gone by in such a blur. I remember thinking excitedly about coming to serve a new church called Christ Community Church in a place called Hagerstown. Brenda and I had been in much prayer over this calling and we both had a strong sense of the Lord's leading. While we are far from being complete rookies when it comes to moving, I think it is safe to say that we underwent "shock and awe" with the whole process. Between our "pre-packing", packing, realizing that the biggest U-Haul truck wasn't going to be big enough, the long drive from Minneapolis to Hagerstown, and the unloading, we have come to a decision regarding moving: we are here in this location for a long time! Some of you no doubt wonder what Brenda, the kids, and I feel about our new surroundings. The weather is much nicer, our house is big enough for us (which is not an easy feat when you are a family of 7), the church is warm and friendly, and you the congregation have been super! I have enjoyed seeing the sense of unity and desire to grow from the congregation. You have undergone much pain and anguish in the transition from your last church fellowship, there has been mourning over those that were left behind, as well as all the memories of family and fellowship. But Christ Community has rounded a corner. Ecclesiastes chapter 3 tells us that there is a time and a season for every activity. As your first full-time permanent pastor I am dedicated to helping you the church move from the time and season of mourning, loss, and grieving over what was, to a time and season of fullness in the Lord, joy over our new church family, and a time of great anticipation over the future ministry that the Lord has in store for all of us at Christ Community. My door is always open, I am just a call away anytime during the day or night, and I am just down the street from some of you. Please allow me and our family into your hearts and lives. While I can't promise to always be wise in my speech, or dashing in the pulpit I do promise to always be here for you, to do what God has called me to do which is to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ, and to love you with my whole heart. Pastor Rich Carr Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:59:41 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25&article_id=94 "Emptying - Part 1" Article excerpted from the October/November 2007 issue of "The Lampstand" During a Bible Study last month, a short simple phrase from a mini discussion captivated my attention. It was like the Lord speaking to me about a concept He has been working in my heart, life and mind for some time. This simple phrase, "it's important to empty oneself...", captured my thoughts. Within this simple statement is a powerful truth, one that is vital in the work of transformation and Christian growth. For it's in this emptying that I can learn what needs emptying, how to do it, and other pertinent questions like what then fills the emptied believer in Christ?I'm becoming more convinced that our Lord wants focused, fired up, fervent, faithful warriors - those who are ready, prepared and poised at all times. When His servants express these qualities that give honor to our Lord, God's power and presence is eminent at that time in relationship to that warrior servant. For in that context, the actual functioning of Christ's work of redemption and reconciliation is illuminated. But, just as there are times when I am gaining ground and can actually sense these Godly characteristics, there are other times that I have none, in fact far too often. It is for this reason that the Spirit seems to be bringing this ‘emptying' concept front and center again - apparently for a deeper inward look for some deeper transformation of my person. There's more to change or growth than mere mechanical retraining, rote Bible study, and some fervent prayer. For it seems like when I finally get it - that a simple little pebble appears in my path and away I trip, stumble and fall. Oh, the depth and deception of my temptations and my sin - and I thought I was prepared this time! How I need the Spirit's help to get back up (otherwise I'll grovel in my self pity or anger, which usually gets vented on someone else). I need to get up and once again, look attentively at the inside of my heart to clearly see what my deeper motives really are and find out what needs to be emptied and then refilled. But right here is where there is more about this whole thing called ‘emptying'.... Standing with you at the cross, Pastor Mark Benz Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:59:41 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25&article_id=93 "Emptying - Part 3" Article excerpted from the January 2008 issue of "The Lampstand" PTL! Another year is here! Even though it is a new year it's amazing how much of the old is carried into it. I was reminded of this in a brief greeting exchange I had recently with a new brother in the Lord. He cordially asked, "How is it going?," and I replied with a little smile, "terrible." A quizzical look came to his face because he had come to know me as a happy positive person. Seeing his expression, I sensed that I should give some explanation, "I'm terrible because of a struggle I'm currently having with an old past persistent sinful habit of mine that is keeping me humble, very humble." I was about to go on, but our meeting commenced ending our conversation. The next week we met again and picked up where we had left off. I continued with a smile again, "Well, I'm still terrible on the one hand, but on the other, I'm rejoicing!, but only because of the grace God is giving me in the midst of it all. I continue to be convinced that this is the crux of the Christian walk - keeping the balance between the terrible and the glad. It's the gift of grace that our Lord gives us to keep a right balance between the law of sin and death in our members and the law of liberty of the Spirit of God. God doesn't want sin to reign in my life any more than I do. So, I keep looking at the old patterns when they show up, because they give me a hint of what I need to empty so I can fill up the void with the true Truths of His Word giving me the power to get the upper hand on this old habit. I continue to learn that spiritual growth includes growing both ways, "up and down." "Down" - in my awareness of the depth and deception of my sin and "up" - in being filled with God's abundant, free and powerful grace. The struggle and fight between my flesh and the Spirit will always be there, always, until I finally leave this world for the Kingdom. But I am learning that I can quickly disarm the evil of its strength when I see it and then empty it out through the blood of Christ. I then fill up what my soul was lacking with the Word of Truth and the Spirit, thus making me smarter than before and keeping me fired up and pressing on towards that upward calling in Christ and getting a firmer grip on the maturity and completeness I have in Christ. Oh, how good it is to dwell in the power of His tender might. No wonder Paul said, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." I can do the same and so can you! Let's take a big bite out of sin this year! Standing with you at the cross, Pastor Mark Benz Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:59:41 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25&article_id=44 "Emptying - Part 2" Article excerpted from the December 2007 issue of "The Lampstand" For a Christian, emptying takes time and energy. It starts with a thorough self examination along with sincere and honest self management. I have to take an honest, truthful, and thorough assessment of my actions, desires, and motives - in order to see just exactly what's really going on in my heart in all of its activity. This close look has as its basis a nudge that came from the Holy Spirit. His desire is for me to experience the power of the Cross and of God's powerful grace - to get a real taste that sin has truly been defeated. He wants me to break the power of that resident sin in me and get rid of it - to empty it out of my daily routine. But if I don't agree with Him I won't do what's needed to get rid of it. Sin is so much a part of me that I can't nail it to the cross and make sure it dies so that its influence can no longer deceive, manipulate, postpone, or hinder the love of God filling my every thought, feeling, and action. To be empty, I... me... am the one who has to finally ‘put to death' - by the empowering of the Holy Spirit (because we work together in this venture as in everything else, if I let Him) - ‘the deeds of my old sinful habits' and dump them into the trash (Romans 8:13). Then and only then, can I be ‘free as a lark'. And what a joy that freedom is! I can actually experience life without those old desires and pleasures pestering me from the old self, no longer do the old familiar temptations find their way to ‘leak' into my thinking and feeling trying to draw me into gratifying my old, well structured and ever so familiar, self-centered ways. Victory is real! Finally, this warrior mentality towards sin begins to take hold and direct my energies toward developing Christ like thinking, feeling and responding. All because the Spirit has been given access to work in me so that the Father's will and mine are in sync - what a pairing! So now - at least for a time - I can begin to build my ‘new self' with new desires and wants from a new thought process, which has been transformed by the teamwork of me and the Holy Spirit. I can actually be living a life that is pleasing to God, which in turn becomes pleasing to me as I experience a whole new way of relating to my inner activity and my outer actions. What a joy it is!! And my feelings get into the picture too, they are right behind this action and begin giving more reinforcement energy - because I feel good! I feel clean! I can have such a depth of satisfaction and joy that I become amazed at the feeling and want more of this - all of this - to flood my whole being and walk of life. So now, with this new activated and developing self, I begin looking around at more habits to empty out. I trace my motives all the way down from the fruit to the root - so I can experience more of this newfound deep joy and satisfaction. Yes, emptying is a painful difficult thing but a wonderful reality....however. Standing with you at the cross, Pastor Mark Benz Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:59:41 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23&article_id=36 Evening Bible Study "The Truth Project" lead by Pastor Rich Carr 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month 6:00 p.m. - light meal served 6:30 p.m. - study beginsNov. 13 - held at Bob & Fran Stoner's home Dec. 11 - held at Dave & Melanie Mercer's home Do you really believe that what you believe is really real? "The Truth Project" study is the starting point for looking at life from a biblical perspective. Each lesson discusses in great detail the relevance and importance of living the Christian worldview in daily life. As He has throughout history, God continues to call ordinary people to make an eternal difference in our world. You are invited to be a part of this exciting study group and learn how to have a Christian world-view in a secular culture! Please contact Gary and Sue Fulk or Bob and Fran Stoner or Dave and Melanie Mercer if you will be attending, to get directions or more information. Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:07:41 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23&article_id=34 Daytime Women's Bible Study "The Purpose Driven Life" lead by Julie Strasburg12:00 noon November 21 December 19 at the American Red Cross Building Conference Room, 1131 Conrad Court., Hagerstown. The most basic question everyone faces in life is "Why am I here? What is my purpose?" Real meaning and significance comes from understanding and fulfilling God's purposes for putting you on earth. This study helps you understand God's incredible plan for your life! Please bring a bag lunch. To email Julie for more information click here. Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:19:13 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=33 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=33&article_id=83 Military Personnel Addresses Kristin Berry 93 Hogan Hall Beckley, WV 25810 Birthday: October 5AB Brown, Morgan E 324 TRS/FLT 336 Dorm B-8 PSC #3 1320 Truemper St, Unit 362916 Lackland AFB, TX 78236-5570 Birthday: May 24 A1C Fahlbush, Christopher 557 ERHS/USAF Unit #73397 APO AE 09333-3397 Birthday: October 2 SSGT Danielle Fahlbush 386 ABW-EMDS APO AE 09855 Birthday: Jennifer Fahlbush Apt. C9 4115 Spring Valley Road Harrisburg, PA 17109 Birthday:LCpl Gallagher, Derrick A Co. 2nd Plt. Unit 73240 FPO AE 09509-3240 Birthday: April 8 HN Gallagher, Miranda 3D MED BN Bravo Co Unit 38447 FPO AP 96604-8447 Birthday: September 19 Deployment Address for Shane Harris (currently deployed) LCPL Shane Harris B Company AAV Platoon 1/6 Unit 73135 FPO AE 09510-3135 Base Address for Shane Harris LCPL Shane Harris BLT16 2nd ABN C CO, 3rd PLT BB 270 Court House Bay Camp Lejeune, NC 28542-4999 Birthday: March 13 SPC Richard L. Kemble F Company, 201st BSB, 3rd BDE, 1st ID FOB Fenty APO AE 09310 PFC Kusolnimit, Mark (9810) 1-175th INF A Co. Qwest Base Camp Qayarrah, Iraq APO, AE 09351 Birthday: June 24 PFC Minnichbach, Mike EBTRY-43ADA Unit # 15131 APO-AP 96224-5131Birthday: June 24 Deployment Address for Joshua Yount (currently deployed) PFC Yount, Joshua N Unit 73255 FPO AE 09501-3255 Base Address for Joshua Yount PFC Yount, Joshua N. 3/8 India Co, 3rd PLT PSC Box 20104 Camp LeJeune, NC 28542 Birthday: February 3 Thu, 16 Oct 2008 10:51:01 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=30 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=30&article_id=99 Tuesdays Christ Community Church is Praying for Boonsboro Elementary School, Our Community and Our County! The ECLN is the same group of churches and pastors who participated in the "Month to Talk About Sex" from a Biblical perspective to help in lowering the sexual immorality and the out of wedlock births in Washington County. Pastor Mark Benz is a member of a prayer team in the ECLN and they are asking churches to take a day or more every month to pray for a spiritual revival in our community and county. We, as a church family, will be praying for Boonsboro Elementary School, our neighbors, community and county every Tuesday! Wherever you are on Tuesdays, please set aside some time to lift up the need for spiritual revival to our Lord in prayer. "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:16 Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:38:14 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=22 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=22&article_id=22 Children's Sunday School Every child, as a child of God, is a precious gift worthy of love, acceptance and support. We share the love of Jesus with them in a safe nurturing environment and offer a curriculum that stimulates their spiritual growth and development . Ages 2-3 years - Class description to be posted soon. Teacher: Jackie Kelley. Ages 4-5 years - The series "God the Creator" by David C. Cook features "We Are Important to Jesus," "Jesus Shows Us What God is Like," and "God Made the World." The class will also learn songs about Jesus, God and Me. Teacher: Jeanine Horst. Grades 1, 2 & 3 - The class is learning to make Godly choices using materials from David C. Cook with most of the stories being from 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel and 1 Kings. Teacher: Sherryl Shriver Grades 4-5 - Lessons are from the books of 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel and 1 Kings. Students will build and strengthen their relationship with God and with others, discuss difficulties they face in everyday life and how with God's help they should respond to them. Teacher: Linda Koontz . Grades 6, 7 & 8 - The class is studying "Anointed King, Don't Be Deceived and Choosing and Losing." - The Word of God is reflected in connecting, interacting and applying His Word. This is accomplished by in-class activities, searching the Bible for God's Truth and confirming God's Promises. There will be a great time of discussion and building new relationships with each other. Teachers: Jayne Angle and Kirk Spitz. Grades 9-12 - "Building Character," taught by Deb Benz, is a study of the 49 character traits and commands of Jesus Christ with the desire to become more like Him. The class verse will be Galatians 2:20 with an emphasis on Matthew 28:20. "Liquid," taught by Andy and Lisa Koontz, is engaging and emotionally charged video episodes of modern versions of well-known parables Jesus told that come to life and get participants discussing God's Word and applying that word to their lives, illustrating that God's Word is just as relevant today as when it was written centuries ago." Teachers: Deb Benz, Andy Koontz, and Lisa Koontz. Mon, 6 Oct 2008 13:55:28 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23&article_id=39 Men's Bible Study 7:30 a.m. second Saturday each month at Ryan's Steakhouse, Hagerstown The men meet for breakfast, Bible study and prayer. Bring a friend and join your brothers in Christ for a wonderful time spent with the Lord! To email our "Men's Prayer Breakfast" coordinator Bob Stoner for more information click on his name. Mon, 15 Sep 2008 13:47:35 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23&article_id=38 Caring Groups Caring Groups are small groups of people who meet in member's homes to study and discuss Biblical subjects such as Christian Life Principles, Christian Finances, and Raising a Christian Family. There are several groups which meet in different locations at different times. To email our "Caring Groups" coordinator Kerry Henson for more information click on his name. Mon, 15 Sep 2008 13:45:27 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=22 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=22&article_id=21 Adult's Sunday School Signed for the hearing impaired. "Growing Kids God's Way" This class will focus on ages 1-7 years. It covers a wide range of important parenting topics such as the priority of the husband and wife relationship, how to express love to your child, your child's conscience, discipline, principles of obedience, building a healthy family, and much more. The emphasis is on God's Way - meaning the way of the Lord. Teacher: Pastor Rich Carr "The Christian's Field of Opportunity" Jesus said, "...the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore ...." [Luke 9:37ff]. Jesus came not only to save people from their own sins, but to show how a human can actually live in this world and impact it as God intended. Jesus came to open the doors of His kingdom to all who would repent and enter into it. He gave us an example on how to live in this world and bring glory to the Father. Jesus had a far different worldview that others. Join us to learn what Jesus' view is and what He wants His people to do about it. Teacher: Pastor Mark Benz "The Book of Ephesians" This epistle was written when St. Paul was a prisoner at Rome. The design appears to be to strengthen the Ephesians in the faith of Christ, and to give exalted views of the love of God, and of the dignity and excellence of Christ, fortifying their minds against the scandal of the cross. He shows that they were saved by grace, and that however wretched they once were, they now had equal privileges with the Jews. He encourages them to persevere in their Christian calling, and urges them to walk in a manner becoming their profession, faithfully discharging the general and common duties of religion, and the special duties of particular relations. Teacher: Alan Strasburg "The Book of Romans" (college/career class) Romans is Paul's masterpiece, a key that unlocks the door to vast treasures of Scripture. Some of the topics the College and Career Class will study this quarter are; "What about Those Who Never Heard about Christ"; "Getting Right with God"; "Christ: The Cure for Adam's Disease"; "The Ongoing Struggle with Sin"; "Living What you Believe"; "Making Hard Decisions". Please join us as we study the book of Romans and learn what treasures God has in store for us. Teacher: Julie Strasburg, Jeff Kelley, Jody Koontz Mon, 15 Sep 2008 13:17:49 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=133 At the worship service on February 10, 2008, Pastor Paul Nash, Director of the AFLC Home Missions, installed Pastor Carr as full-time pastor and Pastor Benz as part-time pastor of this growing family of God. During the installation service the Church Council members laid hands on Pastor Carr and Pastor Benz while congregational members and friends joined in prayer. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 08:57:12 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=30 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=30&article_id=77 Prayer Ministry "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12 "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:16 The Prayer Group Ministry Team meets every Monday at 6:30 p.m. A vital part of our Christian life is the ministry of intercessory prayer - lifting others up to the Lord. Our Prayer Group, a team of faithful prayer warriors who meet each Monday to pray for those in need, includes Kate Berry, Sharon Cohen, Ernie Giancola, Al Schlotterbeck, Dave Snyder, Alan Strasburg and Julie Strasburg. If you are interested in joining the Prayer Group, click here to email our "Prayer Group" coordinator Sharon Cohen. To submit the name of an individual to be lifted up in prayer, please click here and include:Your name and phone numberThe name of the person(s) to be lifted up in prayerAny details to be prayed forWhether you desire the person to be included in our Prayer Group only, our congregational email prayer chain, bulletin prayer list, our public church website prayer list, all of these or any combination of the four options. Mon, 18 Aug 2008 08:01:29 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14&article_id=11 Our Congregational Leadership To email any of our leaders, please click on their namePastors: Rich Carr Mark BenzElders: Rick Wilson, Council President Mark Angle Jody Koontz Josh WilsonDeacons: Andy Koontz, Council Vice-President Jeff Kelley Greg Roth Rick Wilson Rick Wilson Tue, 5 Aug 2008 15:25:10 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=28 Devotionals Institute In Basic Life Principles Lutheran Hour Ministries The Upper RoomOur Daily BreadToday In the WordMy Utmost for His HighestCross Walk Tue, 5 Aug 2008 15:19:50 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=9 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=9&article_id=97 Richard Carr It is a privilege to have Pastor Rich Carr, AFLC, as our full-time pastor. Pastor Richard Carr was born in Middle Town, New York but spent most of his years growing up in the Pittsburgh area. Upon graduation from high school in 1992, Carr enlisted in the US Army and served in active duty for about 2 ½ years and later served in the Pennsylvania National Guard for two more years. Upon graduation from California University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts degree, he enrolled and completed a 4-year post graduate degree at the Association of Free Lutheran Theological Seminary in a suburb of Minneapolis Minnesota. His first call was that of an executive pastor for Hope Lutheran Church in North Minneapolis in 2003, and served there in that capacity until receiving a call to Christ Community Church which is currently meeting in Boonsboro. Reverend Carr along with his wife and 5 children have said that he is excited to be serving a Christ-centered, Bible-believing, family-friendly church here in Maryland. He is quoted as saying, "In a day when so many have denied many of the truths of the Bible, it is refreshing to serve a church where the people are excited to hear all the Bible preached as complete truth." To email Pastor Carr, please click here. Fri, 11 Jul 2008 10:42:59 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=9 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=9&article_id=15 Parish Ministry Assistant To email our Parish Ministry Assistant click here. Wed, 4 Jun 2008 17:43:48 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=132 Pastor Rich Carr and Pastor Mark Benz Installed at Christ Community Church Two years ago Pastor Mark Benz, an AFLC pastor and retired Army chaplain, was called to serve as part-time interim pastor of Christ Community Church and a search for a full-time pastor began. In January 2008 Pastor Richard Carr accepted the call to serve as Christ Community's full-time pastor. Pastor Carr, an AFLTS graduate, had served Hope Lutheran Church in Minneapolis for about 5 years prior to his acceptance of the call from Christ Community. Fri, 16 May 2008 08:34:24 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25&article_id=155 From Our Pastor Mon, 12 May 2008 14:30:33 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=34 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=34&article_id=87 Vineyard Via de Cristo Tue, 25 Mar 2008 09:06:40 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=34 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=34&article_id=89 Tara's Africa Adventures Tue, 25 Mar 2008 09:06:25 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=34 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=34&article_id=88 Men for Nations Tue, 25 Mar 2008 09:06:10 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=34 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=34&article_id=90 FLAPS Tue, 25 Mar 2008 09:05:56 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=34 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=34&article_id=85 Association of Free Lutheran Congregations Tue, 25 Mar 2008 09:05:32 MST