Back-Pack Day

Pastor Ron, recently, met with students from the University of Alabama School of Social Work. The meeting concentrated on efforts to supply school supplies and back-packs to children for the upcoming school year. We are planning to seek participation from other churches and businesses in the Holt/Cottondale area. Please be in prayer for this cooperative effort.

Outreach Day

Saturday, March 7th at 9:30 a.m., will be a special day set aside for Outreach Visitation. Ken & Becca Pinkerton will direct this mission effort. We will be taking ministry teams into our community and sharing the gospel with them. If you would like to help, we invite you to participate. We will need prayer warriors, also, who will be at the church during our visitation period. We are especially targeting children from our community. We are planning to use our church van to transport them to church. Join us as we share the gospel with others.

CCC featured in March edition of White Wing Messenger

CCC is featurered in the March edition of the White Wing Messenger. The magazine covered the first CARE Day cooperative with the University of Alabama School of Social Work. We are excited about the public relations coverage, and pray that it will encourage other congregations to reach outside the walls of their church buildings to minister to hurting people.

View the latest edition of the White Wing Messenger by clicking on the link below.

http://content.yudu.com/Library/A13z6q/WWMMar09/resources/index.htm?referrerUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.yudu.com%2Flibrary%2Fitem_details%2F37671%2FWWM.Mar.09

Service Authority

I spent some time, recently, going through some old issues of the White Wing Messenger. I found this great article about, Service Authority by Bishop Randy Howard, and thought that I would share it. It sends a powerful message to those who will hear it:

"Jesus came to demonstrate and establish a new authority which would find its legitimacy in service rather than rulership. 'But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many'(Mark 10:42-45).
This authority is in stark contrast to the structures of authority in place in those days as well as currently. The temptation is always present for the Church to adopt the authority systems of the world rather than the service authority exemplified by Christ. Such was the case even with the disciples when they queried, 'Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire. And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you? They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory. But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? And be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?' (vv. 35-38).
This discussion comes prior to Jesus’ explanation of His service authority in contrast to the structures of authority seen in the world. The disciples were certainly influenced by the only power systems they had seen – those of men. Their request was in keeping with what they knew of authority. Their fault was failing to observe and recognize Jesus’ distinctly different approach to acquisition and use of authority. Though they had been with Him, they missed this point entirely.
The Church cannot afford to do the same. Like the disciples, we could be about the Father’s business and miss the authority model given by the Father through His Son, Jesus. If this is the case, the world will only see the image of itself with respect to position and power. This would be regrettable when Jesus has already given the example to demonstrate to the powers of the world the true power of love, humility and service."

(White Wing Messenger, October 23, 1993 issue).

Pastor Passionate

Another Great Article from Bishop Randy Howard:

"Our passion for pastors runs deep as a church, and today we are challenged by the Spirit to raise up more means and new avenues to encourage these crucial leaders and to build them up in their ministries.

In addition to CBL, the Tomlinson Center continues to grow as an online college, offering Bachelor-level training; and next month, we are excited about the opportunity for pastoral inspiration and equipping offered through the Leadership Development Institute.

Recently, we as leaders have been gripped with the awareness that we must raise the intensity level of our service to pastors. We want to become more pastor-passionate than ever before.

Here, in the western world, it is obvious that the old idea of denominational unity and strength is eroding. Our conviction is that as this movement pours and invests into our pastors, we will be securing the future strength of our churches and ongoing ministries.

With passion, we want to serve pastors so that they can become the God-given, gracefilled, Spirit-activated leaders that will lead every local congregation.

Pastors are in the heart of God, and we want to place them in the heart of this ministry network as well. Join us in loving your pastor, praying for him or her, and encouraging him or her as he or she leads your church in great ministry."

[Church of God of Prophecy General Overseer Randall Howard, White Wing Messenger, March 2009 issue.]

Easter Presentation

The CCC Worship Team has started preparation for our annual Easter Celebration. If you would like to join the choir for this special event, then we invite you to participate. Practice times are Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. The Praise Team has begun rehearsal on a new Chris Tomlin song, Jesus, Messiah! We will also do a repeat performance of last year's highlight, The Revelation Song. Be a part of the exciting worship at CCC!

Dr. Cardin

We are delighted to be hosting, Dr. H. E. Cardin, this coming Sunday at CCC. We look forward to his unique and dynamic ministry, and truly believe that God is going to pour out His Spirit upon us in a gloriously abundant manner. We invite you to join us as we worship the Lord together in spirit and in truth.

Service times begin at 10:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

1 Corinthians 12

Tommorrow night's Bible Study will focus on the Gifts of the Spirit. Paul's description of the body of Christ motif would be incomplete without the operation of the gifts in the Church. The empowerment of the Church, through Holy Spirit, is a witness of God's grace (charisma) working in our lives everyday. The gifts of the Spirit are multi-function, and appear at various times. They are not just secluded to a church setting, but should be utilized in our daily activities. Ruel Camia gives a beautiful description of the gifts:

The Believer’s Relationship with the Gifts

"The gifts are manifestations of the Spirit’s presence. (1 Corinthians 12:7)

The Greek word for “manifestation” means – a shining forth, a making visible, a clear display, plain evidence.

Thus, we are used to reveal the presence of the Holy Spirit.

The key thought is that we are the “used” and not the “users.”

Too many people want to use the gifts rather than be used by the Spirit in the gifts.

Too many people have it backwards.

They think the gifts are tools we use to do the work of God.

In reality, we are tools the Holy Spirit uses to manifest Himself.

Because of this fact, we are “used” and not the “users”.

We need to understand: The Spirit chooses which gift is to operate. (1 Corinthians 12:7)The Spirit chooses which person is to be used in the gift.

Thus, there is no room for jealousy.

The use of the gifts is a cooperation between man and the spirit.

We are actually a team with the Holy Spirit.

We are yielded vessels.

We have the potential for all the gifts.

The gifts are gifts of grace not earned by our lifestyle or maturity.

The Greek word for gifts:

DORON – an expression of honor for something we have done.

CHARISMA or CHARIS – a grace, unmerited favor.

Therefore the Spirit uses us in the gifts not based on our lifestyle or maturity.

A very good example is the church at Corinth.

Become the person the Spirit chooses to use.

Be a person of DESIRE (1 Corinthians 12:31; 14:1)

We are to be earnestly ambitious for the gifts.

We are commanded to desire to be used.

The causes of this desire:Obedience to God’s command."

Awesome Move of the Spirit!

We experienced the awesome presence of the Holy Spirit throughout yesterday's worship services at CCC! The Praise Team led the congregation in the song, Amazing Love, and people responded with uplifted arms and hearts, as we worshipped the Almighty God in one heart, one voice, one mind and One Spirit. Some saints rejoiced in spiritual dance, as others came to the altar to express their love for God. What a great experience we had, together, as our hearts were Rekindled With Passion for Him.

Sunday evening's turn-out for the movie Fireproof was excellent. There wasn't a dry eye in the house when the film ended. It has a powerful message that will touch the hearts of young and old, married and single, alike. Thank God for everyone involved in making this film.

Rekindling Our Passion Series

Pastor Ron will conclude his sermon series with a message entitled, Rekindling Our Passion for the Word of God. Someone shared these thoughts recently in an email:

HOW TO STAY SAFE IN THE WORLD TODAY.

1. Avoid riding in automobiles because they are responsible for 20% of all fatal accidents.
2. Do not stay home because 17% of all accidents occur in the home.
3. Avoid walking on streets or sidewalks because 14% of all accidents occur to pedestrians.

4. Avoid traveling by air, rail, or water because 16% of all accidents involve these forms of transportation.
5. Of the remaining 33%, 32% of all deaths occur in Hospitals.

So, above all else, avoid hospitals.

... You will be pleased to learn that only .001% of all deaths occur in worship services in church, and these are usually related to previous physical disorders.

Therefore, logic tells us that the safest place for you to be at any given point in time is at church!

And....Bible study is safe too. The percentage of deaths during Bible study is even less.
So, for SAFETY'S sake - Attend church, and read your Bible IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!

The Word of God empowers and equips us to live a life that is distinctly relational to God's divine purpose. When we apply biblical principles and patterns to our daily activity, He will respond with grace and power to sanctify our hearts and minds. The story is told of an old deacon who used to pray every Wednesday night at prayer meeting for his wrongdoing and concluded his prayer the same way: “And, Lord, clean all the cobwebs out of my life ?the things that are gathered there that ought not to have been there. O Lord, clean all the cobwebs out of my life.”
It got too much for one fellow in the prayer meeting after hearing the deacon one too often; so when the old deacon said the same prayer the next time, the fellow jumped to his feet and shouted: “Lord, Lord, don’t clean the cobwebs. Kill the spider, kill the spider.”

May God "kill the spiders" of your life through the truth of His Word!

The CARE Package

The CARE Package Food Pantry distributed food to 61 familes today. 20 new families were included in this distribution. A special thanks goes out to our director, Teresa Crawford and her staff; Pastor John Hasslet (Cottondale United Methodist) and students from the University of Alabama School of Social Works. We had the opportunity to counsel and pray with many of the people who came to receive assistance

The Lord has blessed us to obtain other resources of information to assist people who are having difficult times. Below is a listing of other agencies and resources:

*If you are receiving SSI or AFDC you can call 1:800-245-2244 for help with your power bill.
*For assistance with you gas bill you can information on SSI or Medicaid Cards to your local Alagasco office.
Mobile Gas - (251) 476-8052
Community Service Program of West Alabama - (205)758-4756
Tuscaloosa One Place for job placement help - (205)462-1000
TES (205) 758 - 5535
United Way (205) 345 -7775
Salvation Army (205) 758 - 2804

If you would like to donate to The CARE Package we encourage you to so. 100% of all monies donated are spent on food and supplies.

Fireproof!

CCC will show the movie, Fireproof, this coming Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m. We invite you to bring your family and friends as we enjoy this wonderful movie.

Dr. H. E. Cardin to visit CCC.

Dr. H. E. Cardin will be our guest for both services on Sunday, March 1st. Dr. Cardin is the director for Tomlinson Center, an online educational entity, sponsored by the Church of God of Prophecy. We look forward to Dr. Cardin's visit. Sunday morning service begins at 10:30 a.m.

Valentine's Banquet

The Valentine's Banquet turned out great. 75 people were in attendance, and our guest speaker did an excellent job. We hope to have some more pictures to post in the next few days.

Aiden Alexzander

We would like to welcome our newest addition to the CCC family. Aiden Alexzander was born Monday and is 8lbs. 7 ozs. and 20 inches long. Aiden's mother is Hannah Smitherman and his grandparents are Valyn & P.J. Behan. Welcome to the world Aiden. We pray God's blessings and grace upon your life.

Great Video

Special Thanks

We would like to send a special thanks to Cottondale United Methodist, Cottondale Baptist and the Tuscaloosa Church of God of Prophecy for donating to the CARE Package this month. The contributions were a tremendous blessing. If you would like to participate you can contact us at: (205) 553-9413.

Jeremy Hitt & Calfee Junction COG Youth Worship Team

Jeremy Hitt will be our guest speaker this coming Sunday evening. The Youth Worship Team from Calfee Junctin COG will be joining us as well. The service will start at 6:00 p.m.

Annual Valentine's Banquet

Our Annual Valentine's Banquet will take place this coming Saturday evening, February 14th at 6:30 p.m. The guest speaker will be, County Commissioner Gary Yougblood. We invite you to join us for the best food in town, and a wonderful night of celebration. Cost is $30 per couple.

Pastor Victor Bonner

It was a great honor to have breakfast with Pastor Ben West (Cottondale Christian Church) and Pastor Victor Bonner (New Haven Baptist Church) this past week. Pastor Bonner has stepped down from his position as pastor with New Haven, and will begin a new church plant in the Lakeview area. We send our prayers and well wishes, to he and his wife, as they start this new journey. Pastor Bonner has established several churches during his ministerial tenure. I am sure that he will be successful in this new direction.

He shared with me the details of how the Southern Baptist Association was helping to fund this new project. They will invest 25% of the finances needed to purchase the property and building. Once the church is established and operating, the local church will retain the rights of ownership to the property. What a great investment for an organization to make to a group of people who will continue to spread the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

CCC & UA School of Social Work Cooperative Effort

CCC and the University of Alabama School of Social Works will cooperate in a joint effort for the current Spring semester. The school will assign a group of students to the Cottondale community area and they will assist in helping residents to partcipate in strategic social activities. The project is part of the curriculm and training for the School's graduate and undergraduate program. CCC is delighted to have the association with the University of Alabama. We look forward to working together with them in conjunction with our Food Pantry Ministry and the community of Cottondale, AL.

Rekindling Our Passion Series

Sunday's message was entitled, Rekindling Our Passion For Love! The one thing that should set Christians apart from the rest of the world is Love!! It is the one defining characteristic that should enable us to be identified with Christ. In Ephesians 5, the Apostle Paul gives sound advice about how husbands and wives should treat each other. The guiding principle in this passage of Scripture is Love. As Christ loved the Church, husbands ought to love their wives. As the Church loves and submits to Christ's affection, so should wives love their husbands. It is an easy formula to understand, but often hard to follow.

Someone once told the story about a Husband Shopping Center where a woman can choose from among many men, for her husband. It is laid out in 5 floors, with the men increasing in positive attributes as you ascend up the floors. The only rule is, once you open the door to any floor, you must choose a man from that floor, and if you go up a floor, you can’t go back down except to leave the place. So, a couple of girlfriends went to the place to find men.

1st floor, the door had a sign saying "These men have jobs and love kids." The women read the sign and say "Well that’s better than not having jobs, or not loving kids, but I wonder what’s further up?" So up they go.

2nd floor says "These men have high paying jobs, love kids, and are extremely good looking" Hmmm, say the girls. But, I wonder what’s further up?

3rd floor: "These men have high paying jobs, are extremely good looking, love kids and help with the housework." Wow! say the women. Very tempting, BUT, there’s more further up! And up they go.

4th floor: "These men have high paying jobs, love kids, are extremely good looking, help with the housework, and have a strong romantic streak." Oh, mercy me. But just think! What must be awaiting us further on!

So up to the 5th floor they go. The sign on that door reads, "This floor is just to prove that women are impossible to please."

When the Holy Spirit guides our passion, we will soon realize that LOVE IS A WONDERFUL THING!

Pastor Ron's Birthday

Pastor Ron celebrated his 53rd birthday on Saturday, January 31st. The church honored him Sunday with a wonderful dinner. Approximately 120 people were in attendance. Thanks to everyone who made this a special day.

53rd Birthday Party