Cedar Creek Church Newsletter – October
Cedar Creek Church Family,
I have to begin with gratitude. I know October isn’t necessarily the “thankful” month, but my heart is already overflowing with thanks for how God moved in and through our church this past September. For three weeks, we dug into God’s Word to see what He teaches us about financial generosity, and your obedience to His plan went far beyond our highest expectations. But that’s just who He is, isn’t it? Our God does “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20). Giving Sunday was not the result of our work alone—it was the hand of God at work in His people. I can’t wait to share the final update with you this Sunday! As your pastor, my prayer is that each of us would continue to seek God’s direction for our next step in living a life of generosity. One way you may take that step is by planning your legacy through our Financial Planning Ministry Seminar on October 19th.
As we step into October, we’re continuing our “All In” journey as a church family. Last month, we focused on being all in with our finances. This month, we’ll shift our attention to what it means to be all in with our time and talents. For our covenant members, you’ll recognize this as one of the promises we commit to:
“I will serve in the ministry of my church by discovering my gifts and talents, being equipped to serve by my pastors and teachers, developing a servant’s heart and demonstrating a servant’s actions, and committing to join a HOME Group.”
But even if you haven’t taken that step of membership yet, I believe God has incredible things in store for you through serving. His Word reminds us: “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” (Matthew 25:40) and “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10). The beautiful thing about the body of Christ is that we all work together to form one body. You have received a special gift that only you can provide. When you use that gift, you glorify God and add another piece to the puzzle He is putting together.
We’ll begin this part of the series by highlighting opportunities to connect with local organizations in our community. You’ll meet some of our local partners, along with other organizations that are being the hands and feet of Jesus to those in need. Along the way, we’ll also share the needs within our own church family. Each Sunday takes more than 100 volunteers to make Cedar Creek feel like home. That means we need friendly faces welcoming in the parking lot, caring hands serving in Kidz Creek, encouraging leaders walking alongside our students in Centerpoint, and so much more.
But more than filling roles, what we truly need are people who are willing to walk in obedience to God’s call—to serve with joy, humility, and love. My prayer is that each of us will lean in this month, discover the gifts God has placed within us, and use them to build His Kingdom here in our community.
If you are not currently serving, ask God to show you where He may be calling you to step in and use your gifts. If you are already serving, ask Him to reveal someone you can invite to join you—so that together, we can see even more lives impacted by the hope of Jesus.
I hope you’ll also take a moment to review an update from the Transition Team here.
With Much Love and Appreciation,
Phillip