First CRC Monthly
...or almost monthly...Friday, April 13th
Looking Forward
I am currently sitting at my desk at Fuller Seminary so very grateful for all of you. You have chosen to invest in my continuing education so that I can grow as a follower of Jesus and a leader of his flock.
This week I have been reminded of Jesus' words to his disciples in John 16:5 when he says, "As you abide in me and I in you, I will produce good fruit in you." My studies have not only been an excellent opportunity for academic learning and leadership development but, more importantly, for my ongoing faith formation as a follower of Jesus. You have made that possible so "Thank You!"
The class I was a part of was called "Transformational Leadership Development." What an amazing week it was to learn alongside of my classmates from all over the globe - Montana, Washington, Texas, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia, Kansas City, New Jersey, Bangkok, and Hanford, to name a few. It was truly a blessing to hear the ways in which God is at work all over the globe.
In a couple hours I will be heading home to rejoin my family and look forward to worshipping with you this Sunday!
In Christ,
Pastor Justin
IN THIS ISSUE...
- God's Story, Our Story
- Meet Our Summer Intern!
- Visioneering Update
- Summer Affinity Groups
- VBS Info Meeting
1. "GOD'S STORY, OUR STORY"
Jesus said in Matthew 5:16 - "...let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven!"
Hebrews 12:23-25 says, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds...encouraging one another, all the more as you see the Day of the Lord approaching."
To that end, we have the opportunity to celebrate God's work in our lives and community as well as give others the opportunity to see the ways in which God is at work so that through our testimony and good deeds others may see them and give God all the glory He is due!
So be sure to join us Sunday as we hear the faith-and-life testimony of Sarena DeJong.
Note: We plan to show a "God's Story, Our Story" video the 3rd Sunday of every month for the next year!
2. MEET OUR CALVIN SEMINARY INTERN!
We hope David is the first of many future interns to be joining us during summer months. Both Pastor Lambert and myself have lamented the fact that our internships were largely isolated affairs. Both of my internships were contexts where the pastor was on sabbatical or vacation and the vast majority of church ministries were shut down. That got us thinking that our church would be an ideal location to invest in future Ministers where they could work alongside of other pastors and receive ongoing coaching and mentoring. We see this as an investment in David and, therefore, an investment in God's Kingdom!
Within the next couple months I will do a profile write up for you and also give you his contact information so that you can give him a warm welcome before and after he arrives.
He is also an avid Ping Pong player so I'm sure he will be looking for some competition! He emailed me a picture of the paddle he discovered this week at Calvin Seminary showing when I was doubles champion. Fierce battles will ensue!
3. "VISIONEERING" UPDATE
As many of you know, we have been working closely with an organization called "Visioneering Studios, Inc" (see link below) for over a year now. They are a "Design, Build" firm that helps churches consider ways in which they can improve their physical structures for greater ministry.
We ventured down this path knowing that we have a series of deferred maintenance issues we need to address as well as some tight spaces (especially in our children's ministries areas).
Just last week we started Phase 2 of the Visioneering exercise. This is where Visioneering takes all of the data they have been collecting over the last 12 months and they develop a "Budget, Scope, and Schedule" of services that would meet our current and future needs. This proposal also comes with "Schematic Designs" to help us visualize the end result of a possible campus renovation.
Over the course of the next couple of months you can expect to hear more about their proposal and we will be soliciting your feedback on what you think.
4. SUMMER AFFINITY GROUPS
In just a few weeks you will receive a catalog highlighting all the summer groups we will be providing. The groups will range from: adventure groups, sports nights, a marriage retreat, Financial Peace University, prayer groups, and more...
5. VBS INFORMATIONAL MEETING THIS SUNDAY
About Us
Email: hanfordcrc@comcast.net
Website: hanfordcrc.org
Location: 2175 Leoni Drive, Hanford, CA, United States
Phone: (559) 582-4423
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HanfordCRC/