Thanksgiving Baskets: The Grace of Giving

But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

2 Corinthians 8:7 NIV

The Gospel tells us how divine love is expressed in giving.

“For God so loved the world that He gave….”

And, in Luke chapter 7, Jesus explains that those of us who have been forgiven much, love much.  In turn, the love we have received from God expresses itself in giving to others.

Members and friends of Christ Community Chapel have stepped up to donate contents for over 1,000 Thanksgiving Baskets, so the less fortunate in our communities can know the grace of God.

CCC volunteers packing Thanksgiving Baskets

Each basket contains enough food to feed 8 to 10 people

Some of the 155 baskets distributed through CCC's Highland Square campus

CCC Local Outreach ministry partner Urban Vision delivered 71 baskets to neighbors in need in the North Hill area of Akron

Thanks to all who organized, volunteered, donated, delivered and prayed for the CCC Thanksgiving Baskets drive this year!  More of our neighbors now know about the God Who loves and gives.

To Him alone be the glory!

If you would like to help with this great expression of love in action in the coming year, please contact Judi and Scott Dalton by e-mail at: judidalton7@yahoo.com .

Pregnancy Solutions & Services: Celebrate Life!

“Abortion defines the soul of a nation.”

Janet Parshall

Pregnancy Solutions & Services (PSS) chose the theme, “Celebrate Life!” for its November 14^th fundraising event. PSS works relentlessly to save the lives of unborn babies, and for the salvation of the parents. In 2013, PSS estimates it will, with God's help, save 160 babies.  It will also complete 1,439 Gospel presentations to parents.

PSS uses ultrasound to reveal the truth about the God-created life of the unborn. It also uses the truth of God’s word to set free those who are captive to the deception of a death-focused culture. PSS loves the parents of the babies, providing parenting classes, guidance, encouragement and material support with the goal of the parents choosing life.

At Celebrate Life, the Point of Grace singers provided uplifting entertainment. They also gave testimony to the struggles of young mothers-to-be in dealing with unplanned pregnancies.  Point of Grace made it clear that God's grace and power are available to all who call upon the name of Jesus, our life-giver.

Speaker Janet Parshall declared, “abortion defines the soul of a nation.” The issue revolves around critical questions, such as “do we acknowledge a creator God?”, and “do we believe babies bear the image of God?” Parshall further stressed that we are engaged in a spiritual war. Finally, pointing to a precipitous drop in the number of recent abortions in the U.S., Parshall asserted that the hearts of young people are increasingly choosing life.

Here are words reflecting that change of heart in Akron area mothers:

“I came to PSS because I needed help. They provided me with a Bible study and resources for my special needs daughter. I’m still struggling, but God is making a way!”

“I was a nervous wreck when I found out I was pregnant. I didn’t know if I could make it with three kids. But at PSS everyone was supportive every step of the way with encouragement, classes, and a lot of love. Now I’m happy and feel like I can do anything with and through prayer, a deep breath, and good encouraging people around me.”

How can you help?  

For information on volunteering, prayer support needs or donating, call 330.644.4490, or e-mail at info@pregsolutions.org .

Thanksgiving Baskets: Hilarious Generosity!

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

2 Corinthians 9:7

The Greek word for “cheerful” above is “hilarious.”

Last Sunday, Pastor Joe Coffey announced the kickoff of this year’s Thanksgiving Baskets effort.

And Tom Randall’s message was that a key mark of a Christian is generosity. Cheerful, hilarious generosity!

So, what was the response?

Amazing. Wild. Hilarious!

Christ Community Chapel will continue the drive to provide 1,000 Thanksgiving Baskets (okay, tubs!) to Akron area families in need.  With your help, CCC can build a bridge to our less fortunate neighbors.

Please prayerfully consider donating contents for one or more Thanksgiving Baskets.  The baskets will be available at the Hudson campus this weekend, November 16/17^th, and the following, November 23/24^th. Drop off will be Monday, November 25^th, at CCC’s Hudson campus, from 3:00-6:00 PM.

Let’s be God’s Good News to our neighbors in need. 

Keep the hilarity coming!

Questions? Contact Scott or Judi Dalton at 330.650.0109.

CCC's "Just in time" delivery to Rahab Ministries

In the 9th chapter of the book of Daniel there is a passage that says "...as soon as you began to pray, an answer was given..." God hears the prayers of His people and many times He chooses to answer them swiftly according to our needs.

This week when the monthly delivery of donated meals was made to Rahab Ministries, there was an unusually large amount of toiletries that had been donated by members and friends of Christ Community Chapel.  When the items were received by house mom, LeAnn, she was thrilled, and said their personal hygiene cupboard was practically empty.  We weren't even aware there was a special need, but God was!

Shelves nearly depleted

Shelves restocked!

Thanks to all who keep this ministry in your minds and on your hearts all month long. Thanks to all who so generously give from their substance and not just from their excess! 

Grateful also for the delicious meals, once again the recipients left CCC a sheet of paper with notes of thanks:

"I want to thank you for the blessings I receive for everything you have done for me" ~ Monica"

You ladies make me feel so special. Learning more about the Bible was so intriguing" ~ Barbara

"Your food is always amazing! It is truly amazing that you ladies take time out of your busy lives so that we may have a great day!" ~ Catlin

and about a dozen more similar comments!

Enjoying our casseroles this week!

Thanksgiving Baskets: Vessels of God’s Goodness and Love

“When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the Lord above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying, ‘He is good; his love endures forever.’”

II Chronicles 7:3

As followers of Jesus, members of Christ Community Chapel are recipients of God’s goodness and ever-enduring love.  As the Gospel takes deeper and deeper root in our lives, we grow in thankfulness for the magnitude of God’s grace.  We also grow in the desire to show God’s grace and love to others. God wants to work through us, just as He showed His glory in the temple in Old Testament times.  Today, we look for “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

How can we live that out?

One way is by sharing the bounty of God’s blessings with our less fortunate neighbors. This year, CCC wants to provide 1,000 member-donated Thanksgiving Baskets to neighbors in need. The contents of each basket are enough to feed a family of eight to ten. We have the opportunity to share God’s goodness and love with 8,000 to 10,000 people in our area.

Great. By doing what?

Some of the 1,000 totes available to donors

Beginning this weekend, November 9/10 (also November 16/17 and 23/24 for the Hudson campus) we have the opportunity to show God’s goodness and love by picking up a basket (actually, a plastic tote) to fill with donated items.  The generosity and love of God’s physical provision for our neighbors through His people will be explained with the following sticker on each tote lid.

How do I learn more?

Contact Scott or Judi Dalton at 330.650.0109