All Scripture

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

For over 30 years as a pastor, I have been saying that, "The Bible is the best-selling, least-read, book of all time."

George Gallup, a prominent religion pollster in the US, agrees: "We revere the Bible," he says, "but we don't read it." In a recent survey, 64 percent of those questioned said they were too busy to read the Bible. The average household has three Bibles but less than half the people in the US can name the first book in the Old Testament. One survey found that 12 percent of its Christian respondents identified Noah's wife as Joan of Arc!

The solution? Read the Bible! Join me in a commitment to read the Bible every day in 2017. The goal is not information, but transformation. Someone summarized 2 Timothy 3:16-17

• All scripture is inspired (God breathed).
• All scripture is useful to teach us what is right and wrong.
• All scripture prepares and equips us to do God’s will.

God wants us to put into practice what we learn. He gives us a message to not just to listen but to obey. The Bible is an intensely practical book. It tells us what to do, and it tells us how to do it. It prepares and equips us.

It contains God's practical plan on how to build a successful life, on how to build a family that God can bless, how to be happy, how to live a life of significance.

All of the messages that Pastor Brant and I are deliver are basically "how to" messages. Why? Because the goal of the Bible isn't to make us more knowledgeable. As 2 Timothy 3:17 says "God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”

God's Word is a precious gift. So make a resolution this New Year to read it, study it, mediate on it, memorize parts of it and most importantly apply it every day to living the life calls you to in the next year.

As I do every year I want to encourage everyone to choose your own “Scripture Verse of the Year”. As you choose your Scripture Verse of the Year pick one that will help you align with God’s promise to prepare and equip you for what God wants you to do.

At this weekend’s New Year’s services on Saturday at 5pm and Sunday at 8:30, 10 and 11:30 am I will be revealing my Scripture verse of the year.

I hope you can make it to one of the services.

Happy New Year of our Lord 2017

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

The Cradle and the Cross

I love receiving Christmas cards. I take the ones we get in the mail and tape them to our door so I can see them all in the kitchen. Over the years I have saved a few of them that I bring back out each December to remind me of what Christmas is all about. Two of my favorite cards are ones that make the connection between the cradle and the cross; between Jesus birth and his death.

Christmas without the cross is irrelevant. If Jesus had just stayed a baby in a manger, you might as well stop reading this right now — life would be pointless. Without the cross, there’s no reason to spend an entire month getting ready for the celebration of his birth. Without the cross there’s no reason to put up Christmas lights, play music, send cards, or buy gifts.

The whole world shuts down one day a year to celebrate a day that split history into A.D. and B.C. God came to Earth and invaded human history. And because he did, the world will never be the same.

But it wouldn’t have mattered a bit without Jesus going to the cross to take yours sins and mine upon him. For God so loved us that He gave us His son... to die on a cross and through His shed blood became the Savior of the world.

This baby who made the angels sing, this baby who made a new star shine in the sky, this baby who came to save the world, grew to be a man who went to the cross for you and me. And that has made all the difference.

Your pastor and partner in minstry,

Kyle

If you are in Hays on Christmas Eve you are invited to one of our 3 services at 3pm, 4:30pm or 6pm. All are welcome to experience joyful Christmas music, an encouraging time for kids, inspiring videos and a message of hope about Peace on Earth. There will also be a photo shoot set for you to take a family Christmas picture.

Because Christmas Day falls on a Sunday there will be

NO SERVICES ON SUNDAY MORNING.

Change Is Always Challenging

Last summer, knowing that I was approaching my 65th birthday I took a study leave and focused on learning all I could on two specific topics. One was about developing a ministry team to serve the needs of active 55+ adults. The second topic was about how to prepare for a successful succession of leadership when I did decide to eventually retire.

This last Thanksgiving my wife Debbie and I took a trip to Atlanta to visit our daughter Jessica, her husband Matt and our four grandchildren, Asa 10, Carys 8, Shepard 6 and Jasper 4, where we discussed the realities of a move.

Well last weekend with I announced to our congregation that at the end of October 2017, I will be retiring as the Senior Pastor of Celebration Community Church in order that we may move to Georgia to be closer to our grandkids and to pursue what’s next for us in ministry. In anticipation of all that it will take to prepare for such a move, Debbie will be stepping back from Victory Christian Academy as of January 1st 2017.

Over the last 20 years since the inception of our church I have seen the hand of God do amazing things through His Holy Spirit working in us and through us. I am been SO proud and privileged to be your pastor.

I remember when I stood on the platform at Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center as we were presenting the plans for our Forward Faith Capital Campaign, saying that I believed the best years of C3 lie ahead of us.

I still do.

Our church Board has affirmed that when I do retire, the reins of leadership would then be handed over to Brant Rice as Senior Pastor, aided by our Systems Pastor Derek Mayfield. Both men have been home grown in our congregation and have served side by side with me in ministry proving themselves to be worthy successors.

There’s a lot of work to be done in the next ten months, like putting together a vision team to launch that “Active Adult” ministry after the first of the year. We also need to continue to move forward as a unified body while we complete construction of our new Worship Center and the repurposing of our existing buildings. I encourage you to remain loyal to our entire church staff that needs your prayerful, personal and continued financial support.

Change is always challenging but as we embrace the future together with faith, we can trust that our Awesome God will keep on blessing us Big Time in the days ahead, just as He has over the last 20 years.

Together let’s celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

Thanks Be To God

This was the first Thanksgiving in the last fourteen years since Debbie and I have been married that we spent the holiday not helping to host ECMA’s Thanksgiving Day Feast. Instead we went to Atlanta and enjoyed being with our grandkids who we only get to see a couple of times each year. It was a good time for not only enjoying each other’s company but also for having the opportunity to impart and support the Spiritual values being taught to these little ones.

I shared with them the story of the origins of Thanksgiving when persecuted Christians left their homelands and became refugees in a foreign land. I shared how William Bradford, the governor of their new community of Plymouth proclaimed a day of Thanksgiving in spite of having lost one half of their brothers and sisters the year before to the harsh New England winter. These Pilgrims celebrated and gave thanks to God an abundant harvest that they had reaped with the aid of the Native people who welcomed them and taught them to plant and hunt the local game.

As we move into the Christmas season I hope you never forget Thanksgiving’s beginnings. I also hope you never forget how blessed we are and how grateful to God we should be. It is good and fitting that as Christians to remember that the holiday is not Thanks-getting, Its Thanks-giving. And so we should be generous in sharing what God has given us.

As we went around the Thanksgiving dinner table and shared what we were thankful for, I said to my family that we should also remember to WHOM we are to give thanks. When we take for granted what God has done for us, we can become calloused, filled with pride and therefore outside of the will of God. Remember these words from the Apostle Paul. “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thess. 5:1

At this time I also want to take a moment to tell you how thankful I am to you. I am always humbled at the notion that you would take the time to read these weekly devotionals.

I encourage you to attend one of our four services this weekend at C3 where I will be speaking on who are Mighty God is and sharing some important news about my family’s future.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

What’s In A Name?

One of the most exciting times in any couple's life is when they find out that they are going to have a baby. There are many things that must be done to prepare for the birth of a new baby, but none is more important than choosing a name for the new arrival. A baby's name should be chosen very carefully because the baby will live with that name for the rest of his or her life.

As we approach the Christmas season I am excited about a new series we are starting this weekend. We are calling it, “He Will Be Called” based upon the names of Jesus prophesied by the prophet Isaiah some 700 years before his birth.

There are many names for Jesus, but what do they really mean? I hope you will join us each week as we discover why He is called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. You'll gain a new and relevant perspective on the Savior who was born in a manger over two thousand years ago and who grew to be our Lord and Savior.

This Christmas Eve falls on a Saturday so we, instead of having services on Christmas Sunday morning, will be hosting 3 Christmas Eve Services at 3pm, 4:30pm and 6pm. I hope you are looking forward to being a part of C3 this Christmas season.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

Remember It’s Thanks-GIVING!

Almost 400 years ago a group of Christians surviving the harsh environment in the New World, decided to set aside a day in the fall at which they would express thanksgiving to God. They brought an offering to God, experienced a banquet and shared in fellowship together. Today we know this as Thanksgiving and we will celebrate it today as a national Holiday.

The Bible tells us that God’s will for every Christian is to give thanks.

1 Thessalonians 5:18, "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

Below is a good formula that will help you to thank God in these three areas of time, Past, Present and Future.

Thank God for the Past. We can thank Him for choosing to birth us here in this land of freedom and abundance. We can thank Him for saving us. Thank Him for people, places, and things, even difficult things that He has used to help you grow. Thank Him for giving you chances after chances when you did wrong.

Thank God for the Present. Thank Him that you are alive. Thank God for your present blessings and enjoyments, such as hugging your children or grandchildren and talking to a friend who really cares. Thank Him for the good times you are experiencing today.

Thank God for the Future. Thank God in anticipation of tomorrow and for securing your place in heaven for all time through your faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

God has moved in mighty ways throughout the Celebration Community Church family and in our community in the past, present, and God willing, in the future. We have a multitude of reasons to be thankful!

As you gather with your family and friends whether in a home or at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall as a part of ECMA’s Thanksgiving Day Feast, do more than eat turkey and watch football. With joy, give your heartfelt thanks to God with song, an offering of praise and acts of service. Tell your children the history of Thanksgiving and the real meaning behind this holiday and be sure to take a few moments to thank God for all He has done for you. And while you are at it thank those around you for what they have done for you too!.

Thank you to the all of the C3 folks who in one hour shifts from 9am-5pm, collected over two vans FULL of groceries and filled over 400 sacks on Wednesday night that will be given to needy families after Today’s ECMA Thanksgiving Day Feast.

If you know of anyone who does not have a place to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal, invite them to the Rose Garden Banquet Hall TODAY. Doors open at 11:30 with a meal served at 12 noon.

It’s Shoebox Time

Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations around the world through gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God’s love packed inside. Since 1993, more than 70 million shoe boxes have been packed, shipped, and delivered across the globe. The people of Celebration Community Church have been involved in this simple, hands-on mission project while focusing on the true meaning of Christmas—Jesus Christ since 1998. This year our goal is to fill 500 shoeboxes to send around the world. Won’t you please help? Go shopping this weekend and fill a shoebox or two or ten and bring it with you to church. If you can, please add $7.00 per box for shipping.

THIS SUNDAY IS OUR DEADLINE for collecting shoeboxes that will ship out of Hays on Monday. Thank you for your generosity at this time when we are all focusing on GIVING Thanks.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

P.S.

When you go grocery shopping THIS Saturday in Hays look for one of the 44 families who have volunteered to collect groceries to give a way to needy families on Thanksgiving.

If you want to help sack groceries NEXT Wednesday night come to the Rose Garden Banquet Hall at 5:30pm.

I am always so proud of C3.

-PK

GO into all the world….. through C3’s Mission Auction!

Instead of making appeals throughout the year for money, Celebration Community Church has for the last 18 years been raising dollars to fulfill the Great Commission by auctioning off items from our congregation and local retailers at what we call the Community Mission Auction. In the early days we would combine the auction with a Thanksgiving Dinner we would serve at the Schenk building at the Ellis County Fairgrounds where our congregation worshiped before we had our own building. Several years ago we decided in order to grow the mission auction we would make it a standalone evening event. Since then God has blessed us with ever increasing amounts of generous people who have sacrificially given to our commitment to missions. Over the years we have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars which has been given away to over 40 need meeting, charities, ministries, missions and missionaries.

I hope you are making plans to come and see all that God is doing though C3 in Hays, Colby, and around the world, all for the cause of Christ.

Friday will be a great night filled with delicious food, tasty “mocktails”, wonderful bargains and all for a great cause. The silent auction starts at 6:30pm with the live auction beginning around 7:30pm.

Admission is a non perishable food item which we will give away on your behalf through C3’s In Need Food Pantry.

Please pray with me that this Friday’s Community Mission Auction will a HUGE Success.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

Wait Till Next Year

Having grown up in Chicago, I have been a Cubs fan since before I ever put on a Little League uniform. I learned the expression “Die Hard”, not from a Bruce Willis movie, but from what it means to root, root, root, for the home team, year after year whether they are in first place, or in the case of the Cubbies, mostly in last.

The last time the Cubs were in the World Series was 1945. The last time the Cubs won the World Series was 1908. As a result, I have lived in a perpetual state of “maybe next year” anticipation.

I believe being a Cub fan and being a Christian are closely related because they are both subject to persecution and both are waiting with great expectation a “glorious appearing”.

The Cubs were supposed to win the World Series last year in 2015 or so it was prophesied in the 1989 film “Back To The Future II” Even when things looked bad the Cubs being down 3 games to none and facing elimination our hopes were kept alive by the similarities with the 2004 Boston Red Sox. Theo Epstein was the Red Sox's general manager in 2004, and he is the Cubs' president now. Epstein had a manager in his first year with the team in Terry Francona, the now manager of the Cleveland Indians.

The Red Sox were dealing with the "Curse of the Bambino.” They hadn't won the World Series since 1918 after trading Babe Ruth to the Yankees. The Cubs are dealing with the "Curse of the Billy Goat.” They have been cursed ... or so the story goes since Billy Goat Tavern owner Bill Sianis was told to leave Wrigley Field during the Tigers-Cubs World Series game in 1945, because the odor of his pet goat named Murphy, was bothering people. Sianis apparently cursed the Cubs, saying they would never win a World Series again. And ever since then Cubs fans across the country have been saying again. “Wait till next year!”

WELL THIS IS NEXT YEAR! Last Thursday night the Cubs came back from a three game to one deficit to beat Terry Francona’s Cleveland Indians in extra innings to win the World Series. As a Cub fan I am experiencing a lifelong awaited elation. As a Christian I have been waiting with even greater anticipation the return of Jesus Christ as he promised throughout the scriptures. In my study of Biblical prophecy and current world affairs I am expecting this glorious appearance to happen soon. So as a Christian I lived with the hope that if it is not this year…

I can faithfully “Wait till next year.” Maranatha…Come Lord Jesus!

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

Hope Springs Eternal

For the first time in seventy-one years the Chicago Cubs are playing in the World Series. The life of a Chicago Cub fan is unique because of the sustained hope we possess in the midst of seemingly endless suffering. There is one thing I can say about Cub fans and that is that we have never given up hope. At the conclusion of each year without a World Series victory, you can hear fans across the country saying, “Wait ‘til next year”; still holding on to the hope that our team will one day prevail.

The hope of Cubs fans can be likened to the hope of Christians. Most people understand hope as wishful thinking, as in "I hope something will happen." This is not what the Bible means by hope. The biblical definition of hope is "confident expectation." Hope is a firm assurance regarding things that are unclear and unknown. Christian hope is promised to those who follow Jesus. Hope, which is given to us by God, enables us to persevere during difficult and tumultuous times in our life. If Cubs fans can endure the hardships of continual disappointment and continue to be zealous and passionate about their team, shouldn’t Christians be willing to endure suffering for the sake of Christ and for eternal happiness with Him?

As the Apostle Paul says, “And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." Romans 5:5

The hope that we have in Christ is eternal and guaranteed. Let us follow the example of Cubs fans and continue to persevere always looking forward with hope.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

It’s Mission Auction Time

The concept of God sending His servants into the world to communicate the love of Christ is so important that the church recognizes her call in the very word used to describe worldwide outreach — missions. This word comes from the Latin verb “missio,” which means “to send.” When the church sends others to share the Gospel, she is imitating the Creator Himself. I hope you have begun to grasp the importance of missions to the plans of God?

Not all of us are called to be full-time missionaries, but all of us are called to be involved in missions — if not as goers, then as senders. Sending hundreds of Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes around the world is a great example of how the people of Celebration Community Church can be involved in missions not by going, but by sending.

Also each year at this time Celebration Community Church plans our most ambitious missions effort called the Community Mission Auction. Instead of asking our people to give financially to various missionary organizations throughout the year, we appeal to our church to support this one night of giving that underwrites a good portion of our mission budget. Over the years we have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to help send the good news of Jesus Christ through ministries in Hays and throughout the world. I would like you to be prayerfully thinking about how you can help in a significant way. Here are a couple of things you can do:

• Pray that God would open up the hearts of people to understand the genius of generosity and to give cheerfully to the Great Commission of reaching people for Christ.
• Donate a new item, gift certificate or service project. You can see some of the items already donated at events on C3’s Facebook page.
• Invite your friends and attend the event with them on Friday night November 11th.

Child care is provided upon request. There will be great food, fun entertainment, a chance to pick up some real Christmas bargains. Your only admission is a non perishable food item for C3’s Food Pantry.

You may not be called to “GO” but we are all commissioned to “SEND”.

What product or service would you like to donate to our Mission Auction? Email ericka@celebratejesus.org or call 625-LIVE

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

His Power

“…and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe…” Ephesians 1:19

As you read this my older brother Eddie and I are in Chicago to take in a Cubs game in the National League Championship Series.

Last year at this time, on Oct. 12, 2015 to be exact, the Chicago Cubs beat the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field in Game 3 of the National League Division Series. It was a historic game.

On that day Dexter Fowler, Jorge Soler, Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Starlin Castro, and Kyle Schwarber each homered in that game. For the first time in professional baseball, one team hit six homers in a playoff game. It was a great display of power.

Ephesians 1:19 says God’s power is not only great but “exceedingly” great. He “spoke” the universe into existence (Psalm 33:9). That’s AWESOME power!

Have you ever considered that you have God’s awesome power in your life?  It is true!  In this verse the Apostle Paul is praying for us and he wants us to know what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.

Paul wants us to know that God has placed this power in us at salvation.  I don’t think most of us are even aware that we obtained a great power when we were saved.  The Holy Spirit came to live within us and in Him we have power.   No matter what is going on in our lives we can be assured that we have the power in us from God to be victorious.

Yes, we have this power, but do we use it?  Or, do we do everything in our own strength.  When we do that we are weak and not powerful.  But, when we walk in the Spirit and allow the power of the Holy Spirit to flow through us and energize us for service then we will be powerful.  It is only when we surrender ourselves to God in every way and ask in His name that we find this supernatural power. Have you experienced this kind of power?

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

A Family Reunion

Several years ago my brothers and I got together for a family reunion. We gathered our families and traveled to a central location and spent some time together eating, singing, acting out skits, but mostly just catching up on what was going on in each other’s lives. Our kids got a chance to experience their uncles, aunts, and cousins who, because of the distance between them, hardly knew each other.

I recall that my family who is all spread out geographically took very little time to reconnect and bond. I think that is because we all have something in common. a common heritage. We are connected because we have a common history, shared family stories, a unity that transcends miles or years. Even though we are all different, there is something that makes us the same. We are Ermoian. We are family.

As Christ’s church we too share in a common heritage, a common history. And as brothers and sisters in Christ even though we have differences, we have unity because we are connected to each other as the body of Christ.

The Apostle Paul wrote this to the Ephesians;
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
There is one body and one Spirit-- just as you were called to one hope when you were called-- ⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism; ⁶ one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:3-6

Regrettably Christians too often stay to their own little Baptist or Catholic or Methodist or Presbyterian families. Unfortunately the non-Christian world looks at the divisions within the body of Christ and wonders why we cannot get along better with one another. The early church in its pre-denominational days was known for its oneness and its unity.

This Sunday October 9th the churches of Ellis County are having a kind of family reunion. It’s called the “Festival of Faith: a joyful coming together of area churches with the intent purpose of celebrating our unity while downplaying our differences.

When people share with me their denominational affiliations I like to respond to them that they are not Baptists…but rather Christians who attend a Baptist church. People are not Methodists …but rather Christians who attend a Methodist Church. I even say to people who claim that they are Catholic…You’re not Catholic but rather Christians who attend a Catholic church.

By saying so we can celebrate our unity in Christ while acknowledging diversity by the churches we attend. We are Christians. We are family. Come to the 25th family reunion called Festival of Faith on Sunday October 9th at 3pm at Beach –Schmidt Performing Arts Center and celebrate our unity and diversity in Christ.

We're better together!

Kyle

Homecoming 2016

It is Homecoming weekend here in Hays Kansas as the Hays High Indians and the Fort Hays State University Tigers both battle their opponents on the home turf at Lewis Field on Friday and Saturday. There will be parades, tailgate parties, dances, class reunions and lots of fun for all.

Throughout the football season our youth and college ministries reach out each week to encourage their respective teams. Our CrossCurrent High School ministry prepares a supper for the players and coaches the night before each game where Conor Nichol and Nick Eiden speak to the team about how football and faith are intertwined. Jeff Burnett of our Encounter College Ministry meets with the Tigers at a pregame meal and pumps them up with inspiring words from God’s word. I am looking forward to all of the Homecoming hoopla this weekend in Hays but as I get older I am finding myself looking forward to another Homecoming.

Seeing all of the turmoil happening in our world events today got me thinking again that I am merely on the visiting team of this planet. This place is not my home. I don’t really own a single thing that matters. I have lots of stuff here but that is all it is. Stuff. What really matters is my faith, my family and those relationships that make this game of life worthwhile and will go on with me into eternity.

Jesus talked about homecoming and He was not talking about an athletic contest or a dance. He talked about a final homecoming; a homecoming where we will all be reunited with fellow alumni who have all put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. But while we are waiting for that homecoming parade; “Lets train well against our opponent, play the game with purpose and passion and lets be victorious for His Team!"

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

"What is the purpose of a Christian school?"

Four years ago when we began Victory Christian Academy at Celebration Community Church we asked ourselves the foundational question:  "What is the purpose of a Christian school?"

The answer we arrived at is that we believe a school's ultimate purpose should be to equip children to understand the truth about life, the world, and their place in it. We also believe that in order to understand these truths, the deeper questions regarding the meaning and purpose of life cannot be ignored.  The curriculum of public education cannot guide students through these deeper questions of life, because it cannot use the Word of God as its standard of truth. Christian Schools in general and VCA specifically seek to equip students to recognize the Lordship of Christ in all subject areas of learning, and to respond in obedience to His call to be transforming influences in society. A school not only shapes a child's mind, but also influences their hearts.

Keeping a private school Christian School operating is a daunting task and that is why I am asking our Celebration Community Church family to support VCA in three ways.

#1 Direct students through elementary school to VCA. If you know of any incoming pre-schoolers and kindergarteners whom we can start off connected to the VCA family, be sure to encourage them to check out VCA.

#2 Support with your prayers and financial contributions. If you can see the value of private Christian education being offered through our church’s school, then we would ask that you please make a financial contribution to VCA for the 2016-2017 school year. Your donation would allow us to continue to meet our bare bones budget and provide for our exceptional teachers while maintaining our excellent Christian curriculum.

#3 Purchase McDonald’s Coupon Books from one of VCA’s kids this weekend in the C3 Lobby. Each $5 coupon book you purchase is valued at $20 and VCA gets to keep the entire amount you donate.

Thank you in advance for your prayerful consideration and generous support in this crucial time.

If you have questions at all please contact me.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

Next Steps

In John 10:10 Jesus said, “I have come that you may have life, life to the fullest.”

Jesus didn’t say He came to bring us an institution, an organization or a social club. The church is none of these. Nor is the church a building even though God has given us a blueprint similar to a building of what the church should look like and be like. Here it is:

“His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known…according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord." Ephesians 3:10-11

God gave us the church to be His body to carry the Good News of Jesus Christ to this lost world.

The Bible goes on to say,

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27

Did you get that? We are the body of Christ and we belong to each other. The Christian life isn’t just about believing, it’s about belonging; belonging to a family.

At Celebration Community Church we invite you to become part of our family through our Next Steps class.

During this 75 minute class you will learn all about who C3 is, what C3 does and doesn’t do, what we believe and what we don’t believe and most importantly, how you can find your place and purpose in it.

I invite you to our Next Steps Class THIS SUNDAY after our 8:30am, 10am and 11:30 services. We will meet after the services at the Connection Table at the front of our Worship Center.

Child care is provided. A light meal will be served.

To RSVP go to the C3hays app and click on the RSVP tile or e-mail me at kyle@celebratejesus.org.

I hope to see you there.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

What Does The Bible Have To Say About Baptism?

Christian baptism is one of two ordinances that Jesus instituted for the church. (The other being communion) Jesus’ last words to his disciples before ascending into heaven were, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” Matthew 28:19–20. These instructions specify that the church is responsible to teach Jesus’ word, make disciples, and baptize those believers.

The Bible is abundantly clear of what baptism is, who it is for, and what it accomplishes. In the Bible, only believers who had placed their faith in Christ were baptized - as a public testimony of their faith and desire to follow him. Water baptism by immersion is a step of obedience after faith in Christ. It is a proclamation of faith in Christ, a statement of submission to Him, and identification with His death, burial, and resurrection.

With this in view, infant baptism is not a Biblical practice. An infant cannot place his or her faith in Christ. An infant cannot make a conscious decision to obey Christ. An infant cannot understand what water baptism symbolizes. The Bible does not record any infants being baptized. This is why we celebrate infant dedications on 5th Sundays instead of infant baptisms.

If you or someone you know has not been baptized (the Greek word means immersed) as a believer, I invite you to do so THIS SUNDAY. We will be car-pooling to the Haines pond at 12:45pm. Bring a swim suit, a towel and a lawn chair for we will be having a barbeque at 1pm.

To register, go to the C3hays app and click on the RSVP tile or email kyle@celebratejesus.org

This is going to be a great day of celebrating being raised to new life in Christ.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

Baptism: A Matter of Life and Death

For the last several years near the end of the summer Celebration Community Church has hosted outdoor baptisms after services. There is just something about being outdoors in a lake or pond that draws us closer to God and to that biblical experience of John the Baptizer immersing Jesus in the waters of the Jordan River.

When people ask me about the meaning of baptism I usually say to them that baptism is a matter of life and death. What I mean by that is that the Bible teaches us that baptism illustrates our alignment with Jesus’ death and burial, "… Christ died for our sins … he was buried …" 1 Corinthians 15:3–4

The Bible also teaches that baptism is not just about death and burial, it is about resurrection and new life. “For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.” Colossians 2:12

"When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“By our baptism then, we were buried with him and shared his death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead … so that we may live a new life!” Romans 6:4.

We need to be clear in that baptism doesn’t make you a Christian. Only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring; it’s the outward sign of the inner commitment you have made in your heart. The commitment as a believer to follow Christ.

Next Sunday September 11th at 1pm Celebration Community Church will gather at the Luke and Julisa Haines’ Pond five miles west of C3 for a barbeque and baptism.

We invite individuals and families (children under age of 12 need meet with a Pastor first) who have not been baptized by immersion as believers to come and be baptized.

To RSVP your desire to be baptized, go to the C3hays app and click on the “RSVP” tile or call the church office at 625-LIVE.

This is going to be a great day of celebrating being raised to new life in Christ.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES?

"This, the first of His miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed His glory, and His disciples put their faith in Him." John 2:11

Do you believe in miracles? Most people will talk flippantly about it "taking a miracle" in order for something significant to take place or for a person to change their normal behavior. The expression “Do you believe in miracles?” became an American cultural icon when Al Michaels of ABC Sports shouted those words at the end of the medal round in men's ice hockey game during the 1980 Winter Olympics. It was there in Lake Placid, New York, that a team of young American college skaters beat the veteran Russian powerhouse in what is remembered as the “Miracle on Ice".

When the Bible talks about miracles, it is speaking about an act of God that suspends the laws of nature as He created them to be. We're most familiar with Jesus' miracles, such as His first one, changing water into wine at the Wedding in Cana described in John 2, yet there were many miracles of God as well throughout the Old Testament. John clearly defines the intent and substance of miracles when he call them "miraculous signs." They are events God uses to provide in a special way for His people and to reveal His glory and majesty, as John also notes in John 2:11. While miracles reveal God's glory and majesty, His power and His love, they are only meant for His people - Jesus' miracles never led anyone to believe in Him, only to confirm their faith in Him.

So, let me ask you, do you need a miracle? Do you need God to suspend the laws of nature and accomplish something for you that goes against the norm? Do you believe in miracles, trusting that God can do anything and can make good things happen despite all evidence and circumstances to the contrary?

Just believing that God can stop or accelerate the basic laws of the universe to accomplish His will and purpose for our lives isn't the point of God's miracles. Rather, believing in God's miracles is to believe that He accomplishes extraordinary things in our lives to encourage us and strengthen our faith. That's the kind of miracle God's forgiveness, grace, mercy and love in Jesus is all about, for in Christ, God suspends His Law and declares us to be made right with Him because Jesus paid the full price for our sins on the cross. Now that is a miracle from heaven that happens by faith in our lives every day.

Tonight as a part of 98.5 The TRUTH’s Free Friday Family Flicks series we will be screening 2016’s, PG rated, “Miracles from Heaven”. According to the film’s producers, “It is based on the incredible true story of Christy Beam (Jennifer Garner) who when she discovers her 10-year-old daughter Anna has a rare, incurable disease, becomes a ferocious advocate for her daughter’s healing as she searches for a solution. After Anna has a freak accident, an extraordinary miracle unfolds in the wake of her dramatic rescue that leaves medical specialists mystified, her family restored and their community inspired.”

Come tonight (Friday) to Celebration Community Church at 7:05 pm and experience on the big screen in C3’s gym a “Miracle from Heaven” and celebrate the salvation that you are experiencing through your faith in Jesus Christ as the greatest miracle of all. Refreshments provided.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

KIDFest!

Beginning 15 years ago Celebration Community Church began asking the haircutters that were a part of our congregation to donate their time in order to give free haircuts for kids at the beginning of the school year. I can still remember 5 stylists setting up stools in the lobby of our new Worship Center and providing haircuts to about 30 kids. That tradition continues to this day as we partner with the folks at Hays Academy of Hair Design to offer free haircuts for kids from pre-school age through the 5th grade. Last year close to 150 kids got free haircuts from over 20 Hays Academy Hair Design students and staff. Appointments are suggested by calling 625-5483 though walk-ins are welcome. DeLynn Rice our church’s Children’s Director says, “Parents are always so appreciative because families can save up to $50 on haircuts getting their kids ready to go back to school. Free “Haircuts for Kids” runs concurrently with KID-fest, a carnival like food and fun festival in the parking lot of Hays Academy of Hair design.

WE STILL NEED SOME FOLKS to help with the carnival games.

We need a few more volunteers to run games at 9-11 and a handful more for games from 11-1.  If you would like to volunteer to help please contact DeLynn at delynn@celebratejesus.org today or call 785- 625-5483.

Invite all of the families you know to experience KID-Fest this Saturday from 9am-1pm. This is a platform for us to expose families to Celebration Kids which takes place on Saturday nights at 5pm and on Sunday at 10am. C3 Kids gather to sing praise songs with a live band, learn Bible stories through multimedia teaching along with small group Bible lessons by caring volunteers.

KID-Fest also allows us to remind families of the importance of Christian education through our own Victory Christian Academy and Pre-School which is beginning its 4th academic year.

Thank you church for those who supported Kid Fest with donations of water and soda. Thank you also to all of those who have signed up to volunteer.

It’s going to be a GREAT DAY! (Partly sunny and only 75 degrees ☺)

Your pastor and partner in minstry,

Kyle

Go for the Gold

Thirty two years ago I attended the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles (as a player on the Dream shorty shorts Team). This week, thousands of people have gathered in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil and millions around the world are watching great athletes from over 200 countries compete for medals and the pride of representing their respective nations. Years of hard work, dedication, and desire are put to the ultimate test in the Summer Olympics.

Imagine if you saw an interview with a competitor who said: "Y' know, I don't really care about getting any medals, I'm just glad to be here to listen to the Bossa Nova music”. Personally, I wouldn't want that individual representing my nation. I want Team U.S.A to strive to be the very best they can be and to achieve the goals they set out to accomplish. Sure, the medals are hung around the neck of one person, but the whole world sees that nation proudly being honored.

The Apostle Paul was familiar with Olympic like games. Check out what Paul said:

Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win. All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. I Corinthians 9:24-25

At Celebration Community Church we have compiled what I believe to be a world championship ministry team of men and women totally committed to fulfilling God’s purpose for their lives, their families and dedicated to giving their all to their church family. I am proud to stand on the platform with a Gold Medal winning team of staff, ministry leaders and Board of Directors who lead C³ to run the race that God has put before us all.

I encourage EVERYONE who calls Celebration their church home to “Go for the Gold” by striving to live out the five purposes presented in the Great Commandment and the Great Commission Jesus gives us in the New Testament. These five purposes are what our church is built upon and living a purpose driven, balanced and well disciplined life is what God invites and encourages His people to do.

This weekend Pastor Brant and I will be sharing Part 2 of our "Running The Good Race" series and we will be focusing on the discipline it takes to be a world class athlete as well as being a world class Christian. I hope you’ll be able to join us on Saturday at 5pm or on Sunday at 8:30, 10:00 or 11:30 am.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

PK’s Blog Is Back!

After a two month hiatus for a much needed vacation and study leave, I have resumed writing PK’s Blog. I figured out that over the last 14 years I had sent out over 3500 of these daily e-devotions and that I needed a break.

During the early part of June my wife Debbie and I hosted our four grandchildren for nearly three weeks. After that I took some time off to pray, read, reflect, study and help design a successful succession plan for Pastoral Leadership at C3 in the years to come. In addition, I read extensively about the launching and administering of a thriving ministry to mature adults.

In resuming these blogs I will be posting one every Friday morning. C3’s e-news weekly will continue to be sent out on Tuesdays, updating you on what’s happening each week at C3. Both communiques’ are also available on our C3 Hays app.

Debbie and I also had an opportunity to visit five different local congregations on the five Sundays in July. Each of them was unique and faithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ but I must confess that after each service we longed to return to our church family to worship, fellowship, grow serve and share. What I am about to say I have believed for the last twenty years, ”There is NO other congregation quite like Celebration Community Church”!

This Sunday I will be returning to C3’s platform to kick off a new series in conjunction with the Olympic games. We’ve entitled the series “Running the Good Race” and in it we will be comparing the training, discipline and perseverance of a world class athlete to that of a Christian striving to run the race of life with power and purpose.

I will be speaking at all 4 weekend services on Saturdays at 5pm and Sunday at 8:30, 10, and 11:30am.

It is great to be back!

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

ermoian’s encouraging e-mails

e³
ermoian’s encouraging e-mails

Welcome to e³. Each weekday I will send to the people of the Celebration and others this e-mail devotional. I will include a plan for reading the Bible in its entirety in 2002. On one of the verses I will share a comment and practical application. Each email also includes upcoming events at C³, needs and prayer requests. Enjoy!

What you just read above is a portion of what I believe is the first daily email I began sending to the people of Celebration Community Church in early 2002. That means with the exception of a few weeks over the years when other staff members wrote this email, I have sent out about 3,500 of these messages over the last 14 years.

This summer seems to be a logical time to conclude these weekday communications. I am planning on taking some vacation time in a week or so when our four grandchildren from Atlanta come to town in June. Then in July I will for the first time in twenty years be taking a study leave.

During that time my plan is to pray, read, reflect, study and help design a successful succession plan for Pastoral Leadership at C3. In addition, I plan on researching the launching and administering of a thriving ministry to senior adults.

C3’s e-news weekly will continue to be e-mailed to those who subscribe to it on Tuesdays, updating you on what’s happening at C3. It will also become available on our C3 Hays app beginning this week. If you are not yet using our app on your smart phone or tablet I encourage you to do so.

If you are looking for a good online devotional to read each day I suggest Rick Warren of Saddleback’s “Daily Hope” http://rickwarren.org/devotional.

Thank you for reading e³-ermoian’s encouraging e-mails or as it is known now, PK’s blog. Writing these daily devotionals have been a privilege and a pleasure. It is always an honor to hear when people mention they had enjoyed it.

Also thank you SO much to my wife Debbie who for the last 14 years has supported me while I write these devotionals mostly in the evening in my office at home.

Thank you also to Doug Folland who has for many years formatted these words and sent them to you electronically each week day.

I close, as I have since the beginning.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

“Greater love has no one than this”…

Memorial Day is when we honor the men and women of our Armed Services who have made the supreme sacrifice; who gave their lives for their country.

They gave up their hopes and dreams, families and friends. They submitted themselves to rigorous discipline and placed their lives in great peril. Their sacrifice should inspire in us a profound sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy, bought with a price. And that gratitude should compel us to lives of service as well: Serving Christ, our neighbor, and yes, our nation.

I can't help but recall the brilliant film “Saving Private Ryan”. James Ryan, now in his seventies, has returned with his family to the military cemetery in Normandy. He visits the grave of Captain John Miller, the man who, a half a century before, led the mission to retrieve—to save—Private Ryan. At the end of the mission, Miller was fatally wounded. As he lay dying, his final words to Private Ryan were, "James. Earn this...earn it."

Private Ryan, out of gratitude for Captain Miller's sacrifice, did all in his power for the rest of his days to live a good life to earn the sacrifice others had made for him.

Memorial Day is a great time for each of us to look into the mirror...to examine our own lives. Are we living good lives in gratitude for all those who have sacrificed for us—including our men and women in the military, our families, our friends, and most of all Christ?

Are we, out of gratitude, living for Christ, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, ministering to those in prison, in whatever harvest field to which the Lord has called us?

Examine your life today on this holiday as we celebrate the freedom we have been given through Christ’s death on a cross. It is a sacrifice that we DO NOT HAVE TO EARN. Our freedom as citizens have been protected by our Constitution and paid for by the sacrifices of those who served and died in service of our country.

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

Tomorrow May 31^st 2016 will be the last day I will be writing this daily blog for the duration of the summer as I go on vacation and study leave. My plan is that in the fall, PK’s Blog will come out on a weekly instead of daily basis. C3’s e-news weekly will continue to be e-mailed to those who subscribe to it on Tuesdays, updating you on what’s happening at C3. It will also become available on our C3 Hays app beginning this week. If you are not yet using our app on your smart phone or tablet I encourage you to do so.

No Summer Slump Here!

As many of you know I am a Chicago Cubs fan. But there is the dilemma we Cub fans have had in the past. We start off every season at Spring Training full of anticipation and high hopes only to come crashing down painfully by the end of August. For years I have been saying in mid season, ”It’s just a summer slump”. Up until this season the Cubs have been having a summer slump since 1908. Summer slumps affect ball teams, businesses and they certainly affect churches too.

Throughout the summer most churches experience a significant decrease in attendance and giving. Even though you may be away on vacation our church’s activities in the summer don’t slow down. Your church needs you to be faithful in sending in your weekly tithes and offerings so we can continue to be faithful in fulfilling our church’s mission, no matter what season it is.

You can you continue to donate even when you cannot attend church services by mailing a check to 5790 230th Ave or you may give online. You may make one time gifts, scheduled weekly withdrawals from your bank account through our website or by using our Celebration Community Church app C3 Hays on your smart phones and tablets. It’s really easy!

As I close, I want you to know that this summer I’ll be hosting our grandkids, taking a little vacation and for the first time in 20 years embarking on a “Study Leave” during the month of July. As a result I will be suspending the writing of this daily blog as of May 31^st. (I’ve written one every weekday since April 2003). But know that I will continue to tithe (give 10% of my income ) to my church even when I am gone.

Thank you for your faithful giving to our ministry and mission so far this year. It’s because of your giving to God we are able to reach people with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ!

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

THIS SATURDAY WE NEED LOTS OF PEOPLE TO HELP AS WE BEGIN DEMOLITION IN OUR WORSHIP CENTER. Bring work gloves, brooms, shovels, sledge hammers, pick axes and wheel barrels to remove tile and carpet. We will gather at 8am. Stay as long as you can.

BELIEVER BAPTISMS & CHILD DEDICATIONS

This weekend if you have not yet been baptized as an adult believer do so AFTER our 11:30 Sunday services. Child dedications will take place during all of our services on Sunday at 8:30, 10, 11:30 am and our new Saturday night service at 5pm. Please RSVP for either child dedications or believer’s baptism on your C3 app or email me at kyle@celebratejesus.org.

If you spend your weekends at Lake Wilson you don’t have to miss church. Come to Celebration @ the Lake, Sundays from Memorial Day through Labor Day at 9:30am at Foxtail campgrounds Lake Wilson.

Believe and Be Baptized

This weekend is Memorial Day weekend and the “unofficial” start to summer. This time of year is a special time for me personally because it was in the Spring of 1982 at the Little Brown Church of the Valley in Studio City California that I was baptized as a believer.

Many years before that my parents brought me as an infant to a church for a “christening” but I have no memory of that event. On the other hand the first day of Spring in 1982 is a day I will NEVER FORGET. It was the day I experienced for myself, surrendering my life to Christ and committing to follow Him.

A couple of summers ago while on vacation in California, my wife Debbie and I visited that church that never closes its doors and I relived my baptismal experience of 34 years ago as if it were yesterday! Later that afternoon God led me to share the Good News of Jesus and to baptize a 40 year old former gang banger in the pool of the hotel we were staying in. Isn’t God AWESOME!!!

This weekend I encourage everyone who has not yet been baptized as an adult believer to do so AFTER our 11:30 Sunday services. Child dedications may take place during all of our services on Sunday at 8:30, 10, 11:30 am and our new Saturday night service at 5pm. Please RSVP for either child dedications or believer’s baptism on your C3 app or email me at kyle@celebratejesus.org.

Let me know if you’re ready to make the decision to be a follower of Jesus and to publicly profess our faith in Him through baptism.

God Bless you as we get ready to enjoy Summer and be sure to remember your church in your giving even when you are away on vacation.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

THIS SATURDAY WE NEED LOTS OF PEOPLE TO HELP AS WE BEGIN DEMOLITION IN OUR WORSHIP CENTER. Bring work gloves, brooms, shovels, sledge hammers, pick axes and wheel barrels to remove tile and carpet. We will gather at 8am. Stay as long as you can.

If you spend your weekends at Lake Wilson you don’t have to miss church. Come to Celebration @ the Lake, Sundays from Memorial Day through Labor Day at 9:30am at Foxtail campgrounds Lake Wilson.

By Faith…

These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. Hebrews 11:39-40

Yesterday Pastor Derek on behalf of the Celebration Community Church Board affixed his signature to a loan document for three million dollars to fund C3’s building expansion and renovation. To move forward with such a project requires great faith.

The Bible’s Hebrews 11 has been called faith’s “Hall of Fame” where a select group of God’s heroic people were commended for their great faith.

I would like to commend YOU, heroes in my personal “Hall of Faith”. The women & men of Celebration Community Church who…

By faith support VBS, Youth Conference and Haiti Mission Trips.

By faith spend time in C3’s prayer room. (which will remain open through renovation)
By faith you make being a part of a small group a priority in your life.
By faith you give at least 10% of your income to Christ and His church.
By faith you disciple others, pouring your life into the lives of a few others.
By faith you collect groceries for distribution at Thanksgiving.
By faith you fill shoeboxes for kids around the world for Christmas.
By faith you prepare refreshments, communion, set up chairs, greet guests.
By faith you invite friends, coworkers, relatives and neighbors to church.
By faith you … come to Unite Marriage Ministry events to become a better spouses, attend Celebrate Recovery to let go of your hurts, habits and hang-ups, make quilts to give to families who are hurting and in need of comfort, forgive those who have hurt you, accept rejection and mocking for Christ's sake, stand alone for God's honor when everyone else seems to be going with the crowd.

By faith you pray, read your Bible, worship God, serve Him by serving others and seek to share His Good News in word and deed.

BY FAITH you give generously, above and beyond to our Forward Faith Capital Campaign. (If you haven’t yet you may still pick up an Orange Commitment Card and do so this Sunday).

It's all done by faith! Faith in what? Faith in the reality of who God is, what God has done and what God promised in His word to do. Faith is your heart's response to God's love and truth.

And remember this truth, that without faith it is impossible to please God…. Hebrews 11:6

I THANK GOD FOR YOU AND YOUR FAITHFULNESS TO HIM.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

THIS SATURDAY WE NEED LOTS OF PEOPLE TO HELP AS WE BEGIN DEMOLITION IN OUR WORSHIP CENTER. Bring work gloves, brooms, shovels, sledge hammers, pick axes and wheel barrels to remove tile and carpet. We will gather at 8am. Stay as long as you can.

If you spend your weekends at Lake Wilson you don’t have to miss church. Come to Celebration @ the Lake, Sundays from Memorial Day through Labor Day at 9:30am at Foxtail campgrounds Lake Wilson.

Saved People Serve People

Last night over 180 kids and volunteers gathered for the first night of Celebration’s Vacation Bible School “Cave Quest”. Thank you to Children’s and Family Director DeLynn Rice and her team for helping these kids to realize that “Jesus is the light of the world”.

Throughout the week the kids will learn through music, videos, skits, story, songs and tasty snacks that Jesus gives us hope, courage, direction, love and power.

DeLynn says that this year’s VBS is a cut above the others we have done in the past because of the amount of dedicated helpers who are serving this year. Our volunteers are amazing!

Throughout the year hundreds of Celebration folks serve in events like VBS, Kids camp, Kid Fest, Youth Conference, Mens’ & Womens Conferences, Middle School and High School camp. Think about all of the people who greet at the door, serve refreshments, set up chairs, work in the tech booth, sing and play on the platform, teach in children’s church, youth group and various small groups.

At C3 we like to say that “Saved People Serve People”. Are you serving in a ministry at Celebration? If you are then THANK YOU for your selfless service. If you are not yet serving please contact alicia@celebratejesus.org.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

THIS SATURDAY WE NEED LOTS OF PEOPLE TO HELP AS WE BEGIN DEMOLITION IN OUR WORSHIP CENTER. Bring work gloves, brooms, shovels, sledge hammers, pick axes and wheel barrels to remove tile and carpet. We will gather at 8am. Stay as long as you can.

If you spend your weekends at Lake Wilson you won’t have to miss church. Come to Celebration @ the Lake Sundays from Memorial Day through Labor Day at Foxtail campgrounds Lake Wilson.

VBS BEGINS TONIGHT!

Calling all explorers for Cave Quest, this year’s Vacation Bible School for kids 4 years old to incoming 5th graders. BEGINS TONIGHT at 6pm!

Come join Celebration’s dedicated Children’s Church Team led by DeLynn Rice as kids learn relevant Bible stories, eat delicious snacks, play fun filled games, make some wonderful crafts and make even more wonderful friends! And it's all absolutely FREE!

This year’s VBS will ground kids in the rock-solid foundation of God’s love, a love that takes us through life’s dark times. Kids will learn how to follow Jesus the light of the world!

Rice says, “The kids who come to Cave Quest will experience God's Word in surprising and unforgettable ways! Each day, loving leaders will reinforce one simple Bible truth—which makes it easy for kids to remember and apply to real life!”

For express registration you may sign up online at C3’s website, www.celebratejesus.org, or register at the door on Monday night at 5:45pm.

If you have any questions you may call 625-LIVE.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

Memorial services for Wayne Haver will take place TODAY (Monday) at 10:30 am at WaKeeney’s Veterans Cemetery.

Cave Quest

Beginning Monday night, our church will host Vacation Bible School for the children of our church and the community. VBS will be one of the most important outreach events of the summer, possibly of the year.VBS is important because children are important to God. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me. Don’t stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Mark 10:14).

There’s an aging of the church in America. Fewer children fill the seats than 30 years ago. VBS provides an opportunity to share the Gospel with children in an exciting manner. We have never let the size of our church or the lack of workers to ever prevent our church from hosting a VBS. Even before we had a building we put on a VBS. Jesus told us to, “Pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest" (Luke 10:2). God desires children to know Him.

VBS is one of the most time-consuming, largest outreaches our church or any church will offer. As much as the work, cost and involvement is required to host a VBS, the results can and we pray will be tremendous. Will you pray today that God will bring dozens of new children to our VBS on Monday?

Do you know any young people 4 years old through incoming 5^th graders? Please invite them to register for Cave Quest which begins Monday night.

For express registration you may sign up online at C3's website, www.celebratejesus.org or register at the door on Monday night at 5:30pm.

If you have any questions you may call 625-LIVE.or contact C3's Children’s Director DeLynn Rice at delynn@celebratejesus.org.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

If you want to connect with some other guys from C3 and enjoy a great meal for FREE, come to C3 Men’s Ministry Breakfast THIS SATURDAY at 8:30am. Luke Haines will be sharing about his recent trip to Israel.

Saturday at 1pm, 54 C3 college students will be leaving for a week long Mission Trip to Haiti. Please pray for the Encounter group, their safety and effectiveness in sharing the love of Christ with the children in the orphanage they will be visiting.

Memorial services for Wayne Haver will be Monday morning at 10:30 am at WaKeeney’s Veterans Cemetery.

Visitation will take place Sunday evening from 6-8pm at Keithley Funeral Home 400 E. 17th in Ellis.