TRUST

Control has been a struggle for quite awhile. I want to know what is going to happen, when it is going to happen and how it is going to happen. I’m a problem- solver. If there is an issue, I want sit down and figure out all the possible solutions and determine the best one.

There are times in our lives that we can control certain things, but there are many things that we can’t control. Things good and bad that can change the course of our lives that are out of our control. This can be difficult for control freaks, like myself, to handle and accept.

Life appears to be better when I’m in control. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

Here is the problem with me trying to be in control – I’m not trusting God. Faith means that I trust God is in control. When I try to take over, I’m saying I have more faith in myself to figure this out than I do in God. That’s a dangerous place to be. Things need to be done God’s way, not mine.

While I’ve improved in giving God control over the years, it is something I want to focus on in 2015. I want to give God control and trust in His goodness and His promises on a daily basis. He knows what is best for my family and I, much better than I ever could.

With that in mind, I have selected Psalm 31:14-15a for my scripture verse of the year: But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands.

Here’s to giving up control and trusting in the one who directs our paths! Looking forward to 2015 and what God has in store! Happy New Year!

Pastor Derek

What is your Scripture Verse of the Year?

Memorize it. Meditate on it.

Mark it on the wall of the service you attend.

Hope and Peace

Hope. And peace. These are words that my wife, DeLynn, and I have been talking about for some time now.

As many of you reading this blog know, we have had a great deal of challenges with the health of our two sons, Landry and Kelby. The past six years have been hard. Parents (or parent figures) know how tough it is to see your children hurt. Many have said, “If only I could take their place, I would!” I know that feeling (I’ve admittedly thought that myself), but we all know that’s just not the way God designed it.

We have realized something huge through all these trials: There’s a big difference between praying for your kids and actually surrendering them to Him. We have learned through the most difficult experiences of our lives that for us to have peace, surrendering our kids to the Lord is not only important, but it’s essential.

DeLynn and I know that God has so many promises for his followers. And because we can stand on His Word, we can have hope. And with hope comes peace!

I was so excited that I came across my verse of the year a couple weeks ago. I knew the minute I read it that God had shown me my 2015 Verse of the Year. We are so full of hope for healing in both of our sons. I am choosing to stand on this verse for the days ahead:

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. -Romans 15:13

Pastor Brant

What is your Scripture Verse of the Year?

Memorize it. Meditate on it.

Mark it on the wall of the service you attend.

Scripture Verse of the Year 2015

Over 50 years ago when I was in elementary school there was a program called the Weekly Reader in which young readers were awarded points for the most books we read. Since volume was all that mattered and I remember picking out all the short books I could find. I wasn’t reading for understanding. Today as a follower of Jesus Christ and a pastor of one of His churches I no longer read for quantity but rather for inspiration and enlightenment and the one book that provides that for me in the Bible. There is one book of the 66 books that comprise the Bible that I find most people avoid reading... the Book of Revelation.

Unlike what most people think Revelation is a book about the future and about the present. It offers future hope to all believers, especially those who have suffered for their faith, by proclaiming Christ's final victory over evil and the reality of eternal life with him. It also gives present guidance as it teaches us about Jesus Christ and how we should live for him now.

The book of Revelation does reveal future events, but there is not the gloomy pessimism we might expect. The drama of these unfolding events is spectacular, but there is nothing to fear if you are on the winning side. Revelation is a book of prophecy that is both prediction (foretelling future events) and proclamation (preaching about who God is and what he will do). Prophecy is more than telling the future. Behind the predictions are important principles about God's character, his promises and what he expects from his church.

I have chosen for my scripture verse of the year Revelation 1:3 “God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near”.(NLT)

As we read these words, we are promised that we will be blessed if we read what it says and DO what it says. This summer the teaching pastors of C3 will speak on the seven churches in Revelation and I will teach a mid-week in depth Bible study on the entire book.

I am sure that in the year to come I will be blessed by teaching from this book and my prayer is that you will be blessed by hearing and applying it to your life.

Throughout this week in this blog you will be hearing from C3 staff members about their Scripture Verse of the Year.

What will yours be?

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

What is your Scripture Verse of the Year?

Memorize it. Meditate on it.

Mark it on the wall of the service you attend.

It's A Wonderful Life

On Christmas Eve after sharing “Good News of Great Joy” with close to 800 worshippers at C3, my son Taylor joined Debbie and I in watching my favorite Christmas movie. In “It’s a Wonderful Life” George Bailey lived a life of selfless service. Young George Bailey was the best and brightest kid in Bedford Falls. After a lifelong of letting others take the metaphoric first and best piece of the pie, Bailey faced what theologians call “The dark night of the soul”. He foresaw losing his business, his livelihood while facing prison for something he hadn’t done. In desperation, he pleads with a Grinch-like figure, Old Man Potter for a loan on his life insurance when he is told “it seems George you’re worth more dead than alive!”

So George Bailey decides that his only solution is to throw himself off the bridge into the frigid waters below and at least supply his family with the money from his life insurance.

But thanks to the prayers of his family and others throughout the community God steps in and an angel is sent to earth to stop him before he can take his life and then gives him the divine gift of seeing what life would be like if he had never been born.

In this classic Frank Capra film one line stands out more than any other Clarence the angel says to George: “Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives and, when he isn’t around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?” I want to share the Good News with you this day that Jesus reminds us of the infinite value of investing ourselves in the world of people instead of the world of money and possessions.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” Matthew 6:19-21.

As we conclude this year I want to encourage you to ponder this question. WHAT IF JESUS HAD NEVER BEEN BORN? The world and your life would be infinity darker like all who inhabited the town of Potterville.

Be sure to give thanks to God with ALL that is in you for the WONDER-FULL LIFE we can live now and for eternity because of Christ.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

What is your scripture verse of the year?

Find out mine THIS SUNDAY at 8:30 10, 11:30 and 6pm at C3.

Help take down our Christmas decorations after each service THIS SUNDAY

Coming Soon:

Participating Vendors:

• Celebrate Health will be doing free blood pressure screenings
• Hays Med- Stroke and Heart Attack education, SANE, Nurse Hotline, Urgent Care Center
• Rooks County Medical Center
• Doctors without Delay
• NWKS Area on Aging
• Clinkscales Elder Law
• Angel Care Home Health
• High Plains Mental Health
• Inspire Fitness
• Avry’s Birth Doula Services
• Breastfeeding Education
• The Center for Life Experiences- Support Groups
• Hospice
• Good Samaritan Adult Day Care
• Ellis Good Samaritan Center
• Registered Pharmacist Consultation
• High Plains Independence
• Celebrate Recovery
• Angel Care Transportation
• Harvest America Corporation
• Willow House
• Registered Dietician
• Diabetes Education

Unto you is born this day

Debbie and I wish you a wonderful Christmas Day!
Your pastor and partner in ministry,
Kyle

Wise Men Still Seek Him

When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. Luke 2:17-18

Not much is known about the Magi, traditionally called wise men. We don’t know where in the “East” they came from. Tradition says they were men of high position from Parthia, near the site of ancient Babylon. How did they know that the star represented the Messiah? They could have been Jews who remained in Babylon after the exile and knew the Old Testament predictions of the Messiah’s coming. They may have been eastern astrologers who studied ancient manuscripts from around the world. Because of the Jewish exile centuries earlier, they would have had copies of the Old Testament in their land. They may have had a special message from God directing them to the King of Kings.

Interesting note: there is no mention of these travelers being kings as in the song “We Three Kings” or are we told how many of them are there? We imagine three because of the three gifts mentioned. What we do know is that these wise men sought out the Christ child.

Tonight, Christmas Eve at 4 & 6pm at Celebration Community Church in Hays and at 6pm at the inaugural services at C3 Colby we will look at what the wise ones of today will find if they seek Christ.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

The Word

John 1

Exposure: Read the first chapter of the Apostle John's account of Jesus' life. Look around your home at lit candles. Spend some time just reflecting and looking at the candlelight.

Exploration: This chapter is known for being written in almost a mystical style yet it also tells the narrative of how God prepared the world for the arrival of His Word. What was your favorite part about the chapter?

Expression: What is significant about understanding that Jesus is The Word and that He has been God since the beginning?

Experience: "Follow me" is a statement you find in John 1. What was it like when Jesus asked you to follow Him?

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

Tell your friends to come to Christmas Eve Services at 4 & 6 pm

Joy to the World

This is the final week of our Advent journey as we “Rediscover the Christmas Season”. With help and thanks to a You Version devotional, we have looked at the significant characters in the greatest story ever told, the coming of Christ and the first Christmas.

Each weekday this blog has included four elements that we have interacted with the Bible story. Exposure, Exploration, Expression, and Experience.

Psalms 100

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. 2Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his and not we ourselves we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. for the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Exposure: Read the passage from Psalms. Get a group together and go Christmas caroling. Visit some rest homes or shut ins like a group of us pictured above did last week.

Exploration: What were people's responses to your singing? What is your favorite Christmas caroling song? Why is it your favorite song?

Expression: Copy down in your own handwriting the lyrics to your favorite Christmas carol. Ask God to use this season to help you experience the joy and peace the song communicates in a new way this year.

Experience: What is your favorite memory of a Christmas carol?

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

Christmas Eve Services 4 & 6 pm

Lord, teach us to pray

Once Jesus was in a certain place praying. As he finished, one of his disciples came to him and said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”2 Jesus said, “This is how you should pray Luke 11:1-2

Luke 11:1-13

Exposure: Read the passage about Jesus teaching His followers how to pray. Use the Lord's Prayer as a pattern to write down a prayer that has some of those same ideas in it.

Exploration: What parts of Jesus' prayer pattern do you often leave out of the times you pray? How was writing down your prayer different from just saying it?

Expression: Read your prayer out loud. Ask someone you trust to pray along with you.

Experience: Discuss with friends or family or about a time in your life where God answered an important prayer.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

THIS SUNDAY Fear Not series concludes

Christmas Eve Services 4 & 6 pm

Adopt a Family this Christmas

4 But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. 5 God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.[b] 6 And because we[c] are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.”[d] 7 Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child.[e] And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. Galatians 4:4-7

Exposure: Read the passage about how we have been adopted as children of God through Christ. Many people adopt a family to help during Christmas. Find someone who needs a family this Christmas and make plans to be that family for them.

Exploration: What is the difference between adopting a family to help at Christmas and literally adopting a child into your family? What does this language communicate about God's commitment to loving us?

Expression: What rights and privileges do children of royalty have? What are some ways you don't fully live as if you were a child of God?

Experience: Find someone who has been adopted and talk to them about what it means in their life. Journal about what their experiences reveal to you about living as a child of God and loving others in that same way.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

THIS SUNDAY Fear Not series concludes

Christmas Eve Services 4 & 6 pm

The Nativity

Matthew 2:1-12

On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:11-12

Exposure: Read about the kings who came to worship Jesus. Look at the pieces of a nativity set and consider the features the artist used to show that the scene is centered on Christ.

Exploration: What do you think it would have been like to be right in the middle of that? What stance or position would you take in that scene?

Expression: The wise men worshiped Jesus by kneeling. Get on your knees and express to Him right now how much you love Him. How does just being in that position change the position of your heart?

Experience: The wise men also worshiped by offering their best gifts. Think of a creative way to offer worship today that has nothing to do with singing.

Come to Christmas Eve Services at 4 or 6pm and learn more about the wise men and our worship of God.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

THIS SATURDAY Good Food & Conversation with some GREAT guys

THIS SUNDAY Fear Not series concludes

Christmas Eve Services 4 & 6 pm

Impossible

As we continue our countdown to Christmas read Luke 1

“Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. Jeremiah 32:17

Exposure: Read the passage about the arrival of an improbable baby and an impossible baby. God is setting the stage in this dramatic way for the advent of Jesus Christ—who would be characterized by doing the impossible.

Exploration: Why do you think God delights in doing the impossible?

Expression: Is God asking you to believe something that seems impossible right now? Write down something you want to ask Him for this Christmas that seems impossible.

Experience: Discuss with friends or family or journal about a time in your life when you had to depend on Jesus to do the impossible. Read the verse about our God of the impossible out loud wherever you are.

WITH GOD NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE!

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

THIS SATURDAY Good Food & Conversation with some GREAT guys

THIS SUNDAY Fear Not series concludes

Christmas Eve Services 4 & 6 pm

Christmas Card

So the men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the church together and delivered the letter. 31 The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message. Acts 15:30-31

Exposure: Read the passage about an encouraging letter. Most of the New Testament is made up of letters. Buy or make a Christmas card for someone who has really been a blessing to you this year. Spend some additional time expressing to them what they mean to you. If a card won't hold all you need to say, write out a whole letter like the early church did.

Exploration: Think of how meaningful letters like this must have been in the first century. What kinds of communications do you most often use to express these kinds of thoughts to those in your life? E-mail or text someone right now and express your appreciation to them.

Expression: How do you think your card/email or text will make this person feel? Why do you think there is so much power in expressing love to someone?

Experience: Jesus wrote us a really long letter called the Bible expressing His love for us. What has been the most meaningful part of His letter to you?

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

TONIGHT (Wednesday) All Church Caroling Party & Soup Supper.

Meet at the church at 6pm to spread Christmas cheer to nursing homes and shut ins.

Good Food & Conversation with some GREAT guys THIS Saturday 7:30am.

Christmas Eve Services 4 & 6 pm.

Christmas Concert

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6

Exposure: Read Psalms 150

Make arrangements to go watch a Christmas concert or play. Go outside your normal circles and attend one at a church you've never visited or in a part of town you don't often drive through.

Exploration: What part of the concert or play meant the most to you? What did you learn just from the setting and the people you watched it with?

Expression: How is God like a conductor or director? How can you apply the discipline of rehearsal to improve your relationship with God?

Experience: Discuss with friends or family or journal about a time in your life when you were completely in tune with what God wanted for your life. What are some spiritual disciplines that you need to rehearse more regularly to get back in sync with God?

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

Celebrate Health Tuesday 6:30pm

Wednesday All Church Caroling Party & Soup Supper

Meet at the church at 6pm to spread Christmas cheer to nursing homes and shut ins.

THIS Saturday 7:30am

Christmas Eve Services 4 & 6 pm

First Love/True Love

Revelation 2:1-5

1 John 3:1-3

…”You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. Rev. 2:4-5

Exposure: Read the warning in against turning from your first love.

Exploration: Who is your first love? Think back to how your feelings of love change over time. In what ways can you relate to the Ephesian church?

Expression: Write lyrics to your own version of a love song you would like to give to Jesus—your true first love. Include in your song the pieces of your life that He wants, the changes He wants you to make, and the things He wants you to take action on.

Experience: Read the passage from 1 John about his great love for us. What gifts has our True Love already given to you?

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

Congratulations to newly affirmed C3 Board of Directors and Financial Investment Team Members

Directors for 2015
Gary Brown, Kyle Ermoian, Doug Folland, Craig Kisner, Sue Noll, Ronan Sramek and Karen Wallgren

Financial Investment Team for 2015
Dennis Atwell, Rick Claiborn, Dave Eichman, Louie Gilmore and Wayne Voss

We are proud to announce the addition of Kael Bloom to our church staff beginning February 2015

Victory Christian Academy Christmas Program Monday @ 7pm

Celebrate Health Tuesday 6:30pm

Wednesday All Church Caroling Party & Soup Supper

Meet at the church at 6pm to spread Christmas cheer to nursing homes and shut ins.

THIS Saturday 7:30am

Christmas Eve Services 4 & 6 pm

Snow

Genesis 1

Isaiah 1:18

Psalms 51:1-10

“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7

Exposure: Read the account of creation from Genesis. Create a snowman. Use real snow if you have it, or find a creative way to make a snowman. You can use cotton balls, wadded up paper, or just draw one.

Exploration: How is shaping a snowman much like what God does with us—at creation originally, but also in our daily walk with Him?

Expression: Tell God how thankful you are that He continually shapes us to look more and more like Jesus. Describe a time in your life when you knew for sure that God was shaping you to become like Jesus.

Experience: Read the passages about snow. Depending on your climate, you may not associate snow with Christmas. But these passages associate Jesus' forgiveness with snow. Discuss with friends and family or journal about your thoughts about being made white as snow.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

New Message Series Continues TODAY Sunday 8:30, 10, 11:30am & 6pm

Annual Congregational Meeting TONIGHT Sunday December 14th 5pm

I have some really exciting news to share at the Annual Meeting.

Immanuel

Matthew 1:22-23

John 1:14

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel Isaiah  7:14

Exposure: Read the passages about Immanuel. Make a sign that reminds you that God is with you and hang it up somewhere that you see often.

Exploration: Immanuel means "God with us." How is Jesus still "God with us" even now that He's not walking on the earth?

Expression: How is God "for" us different than God "with" us? What are some ways you sense God with you?

Experience: Discuss with friends or family or journal about a time in your life when you felt the closest to Jesus. Make plans to do something today to get closer to God. How important is it to seek to experience that closeness all the time?

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

New Message Series Continues Sunday 8:30, 10, 11:30am & 6pm

Annual Congregational Meeting This Sunday December 14th 5pm

I have some really exciting news to share at the Annual Meeting.