The Anchor                                                                                                                         November 2006

The Latest News for Clayton Community Church                            6055 Main Street

                                                                                                                Clayton, CA  94517

The CCC Purpose:  To draw people into a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ, while building a community of his fully devoted followers

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God In The Hood

 

By Pastor Shawn Robinson

It’s a lazy Saturday and you’ve just decided to sit down in your most comfortable chair and watch the game. Unfortunately, just as you “hunker down” with your chips, drink of choice and most comfortable “sit around home” clothes, there’s a knock at the door.  You grumble as you go to answer the call, wondering who this most unwelcome intruder might be.

Yet as you open the door, to your surprise you come face to face with a smiling bearded man in his 30’s who claims to be the Lord of the Universe. “Didn’t mean to interrupt your routine”, he casually mentions. “Just wanted to introduce myself and invite you over to my place sometime for a BBQ”.

As the door closes you catch your breath in disbelief. “Could this even be happening”? you wonder in stunned silence. “Did I just get invited over to Jesus’ place for a BBQ?”

 OK, so it may sound far-fetched, but play along with me a bit here. What would YOU do if God actually showed up in your neighborhood? How would you respond? Would you tell your neighbors? Would you clean up your house? Would you live your life with a new expectation that something miraculous would begin to happen on a regular basis or would you disregard the news as a threat to your comfortable standard of living?

What if I told you Jesus IS in your neighborhood right now and he wants you to help him get to know the neighbors! Isn’t this the point of Christmas? God actually came down to our “neighborhood” so we might know him personally and have access to him just as we would with someone who lived right next door?

How many times have I taken this eternal truth for granted, not even allowing Jesus the same consideration I would give someone else in my “hood”?  Yes, there may be certain changes and possibly even some stress with having God so close, but don’t you think there would also be an amazing and life-changing excitement that would fill your life with purpose and fulfillment?

That’s my hope and prayer for you this Christmas—that you would allow Jesus to join you where you live this year and that your “hood” would never be the same. Wait, is that a knock at the door?...

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.”  –Revelation 3:20—

 

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Regarding Ted Haggard

 

 

By Pastor Shawn Robinson

Dear Church Family--no doubt many of you have heard of the dismissal of Ted Haggard, pastor of New Life Church in Colorado Springs. Unfortunately you probably haven't heard the entire story, but merely the media's judgmental interpretation of the situation.

 

I am not writing to excuse Pastor's Haggard's immorality, he has fully confessed to his sins (I have even attached his letter to his congregation at the end of this email). I do however want to offer support to you as the church as to how you can respond to this situation in your "walk across the room" encounters with non-believers. My guess is that, as a believer, you will be asked your "take" on the situation or possibly worse, you may be subjected to a "see, the church is full of hypocrites" comments from an unsympathetic co-worker, neighbor, relative, or friend.

 

I myself have been asked to comment on this situation from several people and my answer is always the same...

To those who are believers I would also add these words...

Your Pastor--Shawn

 

 

 A Letter to the New Life Church Family

 

 

From Ted Haggard

November 5, 2006

My Dear New Life Church Family,

I am so sorry. I am sorry for the disappointment, the betrayal, and the hurt. I am sorry for

the horrible example I have set for you.

I have an overwhelming, all-consuming sadness in my heart for the pain that you and I  and my family have experienced over the past few days. I am so sorry for the circumstances that have caused shame and embarrassment to all of you.

I asked that this note be read to you this morning so I could clarify my heart's condition to you. The last four days have been so difficult for me, my family and all of you, and I

have further confused the situation with some of the things I've said during interviews

with reporters who would catch me coming or going from my home. But I alone am

responsible for the confusion caused by my inconsistent statements. The fact is, I am

guilty of sexual immorality, and I take responsibility for the entire problem.

I am a deceiver and a liar. There is a part of my life that is so repulsive and dark that I’ve

been warring against it all of my adult life. For extended periods of time, I would enjoy

victory and rejoice in freedom. Then, from time to time, the dirt that I thought was gone

would resurface, and I would find myself thinking thoughts and experiencing desires that

were contrary to everything I believe and teach.

Through the years, I’ve sought assistance in a variety of ways, with none of them proving

to be effective in me. Then, because of pride, I began deceiving those I love the most

because I didn’t want to hurt or disappoint them.

The public person I was wasn’t a lie; it was just incomplete. When I stopped

communicating about my problems, the darkness increased and finally dominated me. As

a result, I did things that were contrary to everything I believe.

The accusations that have been leveled against me are not all true, but enough of them are

true that I have been appropriately and lovingly removed from ministry. Our church's

overseers have required me to submit to the oversight of Dr. James Dobson, Pastor Jack

Hayford, and Pastor Tommy Barnett. Those men will perform a thorough analysis of my

mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical life. They will guide me through a program

with the goal of healing and restoration for my life, my marriage, and my family.

I created this entire situation. The things that I did opened the door for additional

allegations. But I am responsible; I alone need to be disciplined and corrected. An

example must be set.

It is important that you know how much I love and appreciate my wife, Gayle. What I did

should never reflect in a negative way on her relationship with me. She has been and

continues to be incredible. The problem was not with her, my children, or any of you. It

was created 100% by me.

I have been permanently removed from the office of Senior Pastor of New Life Church.

Until a new senior pastor is chosen, our Associate Senior Pastor, Ross Parsley, will

assume all of the responsibilities of the office. On the day he accepted this new role, he

and his wife, Aimee, had a new baby boy. A new life in the midst of this circumstance—I

consider that confluence of events to be prophetic. Please commit to join with Pastor

Ross and the others in church leadership to make their service to you easy and without

burden. They are fine leaders. You are blessed.

I appreciate your loving and forgiving nature, and I humbly ask you to do a few things:

1. Please stay faithful to God through service and giving.

2. Please forgive me. I am so embarrassed and ashamed. I caused this and I have no

excuse. I am a sinner. I have fallen. I desperately need to be forgiven and healed.

3. Please forgive my accuser. He is revealing the deception and sensuality that was

in my life. Those sins, and others, need to be dealt with harshly. So, forgive him

and, actually, thank God for him. I am trusting that his actions will make me, my

wife and family, and ultimately all of you, stronger. He didn’t violate you; I did.

4. Please stay faithful to each other. Perform your functions well. Encourage each

other and rejoice in God’s faithfulness. Our church body is a beautiful body, and

like every family, our strength is tested and proven in the midst of adversity.

Because of the negative publicity I’ve created with my foolishness, we can now

demonstrate to the world how our sick and wounded can be healed, and how even

disappointed and betrayed church bodies can prosper and rejoice.

Gayle and I need to be gone for a while. We will never return to a leadership role at

New Life Church. In our hearts, we will always be members of this body. We love

you as our family. I know this situation will put you to the test. I’m sorry I’ve created

the test, but please rise to this challenge and demonstrate the incredible grace that is

available to all of us.

Ted Haggard

CHRISTMAS IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD

How foreign must it have been for Jesus to leave the regal neighborhood of heaven and find himself in the straw of a feeding trough, in a town at the height of census?  From there, to be taken to Egypt and nurse in the sands of a foreign people.

Creator and Sustainer, birthed and dependant, Jesus arrives to neighborhoods vastly deficient from the house of glory in which He has dwelt.

I think of our home as a sanctuary: a place of relative safety in which the mundane mingles with passion; laughter introduces tears and everyday bears the imprint of eternity.  Life and relationships lived out in the small rooms of our condominium.  Doctors call about appointments and our adult children call to search out solutions.  Dinners between the two of us set the stage for the day’s retelling and tomorrow’s strategy.  Dinners with friends discover new similarities and divergent backgrounds – and an incredible journey to be drawn near to Christ.

Then I go outside.  Because we live in a condominium we have no upkeep of the exterior surroundings of our home.  Our front lawn, the entirety of its 4 x 6 dimensions, is spruced up by the maintenance people.  Should it need painting or roofing, the maintenance people change clothes and grab a brush or hammer.  Our side area of foliage is watered and trimmed; our outdoor lights, our swimming pool and hot tub, our streets are all manicured, treated and made right by the hired crew.

I do not meet neighbors because we do outside chores.  In fact, most of our neighbors are rarely seen in public.  Commuters and Nesters, it is easy to drive and cocoon each day away.

I do know the lady across the street hangs red Christmas tree lights in the back of her car, creating a border around the back window.  I know the young couple that never has enough room in their garbage can – so I’ve offered ours as a backup when they have more garbage than can.  I know the guy across the street is making trim for his cabinets and molding for the walls and floorboards.  I know the ladies next door, mother and daughter, have most of their friends in Castro Valley and San Leandro and may move at some point.  I know the single mom with a daughter and son.  He plays guitar and likes motorcycles.  I know another couple across the street is always cooking Asian food; the smell wafts through the sliding door that is almost always partly open.  I’ve only seen the guy on the other end of our building once – he was backing out of his garage on his way to . . . .?

And I wonder. I’ve walked across the street to introduce myself.  I’ve walked next door to invite people to dinner.  I’ve waved at the dogs walking their owners and the iPod wearers on afternoon walks.  I’ve swapped guitar stories with the kid down the building and admire the couple who faithfully play soccer with their son in the middle of our Circle.

Christmas in our neighborhood isn’t easy.  With HOA regulations and virtually no real front yards, there is no gaudy display of huge snowballs blowing flakes of white plastic over inflated deer.  No sleigh runs roughshod on our roofs.  No elves mechanistically jerk in the production of toy trains on our lawns.

Oh, there are lights, and a couple of red, neon “HO! HO! HO!” signs appearing in small windows.  Walking the Circle, I can see trees ensconced in rooms, a few having curb views via sliding doors facing the street.  The littlest tinsel creeps by for Christmas decorations on our Circle – valiant efforts at asserting the joy of the Season.

I’m trying to figure a way to love this neighborhood.  To deeply care for the condo/commute crowd that populates our surroundings.  I’m concerned that I’m not concerned enough.

Jesus stepped out of infinity to live the limitations of self outlined in flesh.  He was given out of love and He lived to bring peace with God.  As I read it, his daily discussions were not always easy or convenient.  Sometimes they were clearly productive and other times, not so much.  I know the Son of Man had no place to rest his head, but found himself in the company of caring followers and angry antagonists.

Most of all, he found a way to love this neighborhood.  As difficult as it was, he did it.

"This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. (John 3:16-18, The Message)

It’s my new-view-resolution and I do not want to wait until the start of a new year.  I want to fall in love with this neighborhood of mine; with these neighbors of mine.  I am not the best at this; I am woefully inadequate for such a hope.  I am too busy and self-interested.  Investment into people at this level is too large scale for me.

Merry Christmas!  I am struck that the heart of Christmas is an act of unfathomable giving: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6, NIV)

The government is not placed on my shoulders.  I am not the Wonderful Counselor much less the son given to anyone outside my family.  But I am a child of the One who is all this.  I am one of the recipients of God’s gift of Christ Jesus.  And he loves my neighborhood, my neighbors.  And increasingly, I sense he is asking me to do the same.

“. . . we don't evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly don't look at him that way anymore. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We're Christ's representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God's work of making things right between them. We're speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he's already a friend with you.” (2 Corinthians 5:16-20, The Message)

So, I need another gift list this Christmas.  I need fresh eyes to see people as God sees them.  I need fresh ears to hear the hearts of my neighbors and the whisperings of God.  I need fresh words that express caring, compassion and concern for each one.  I need a fresh heart to allow the giving of God to be given through me.  My Christmas list is expanding because it’s been too small all along.

As a church, come January we will be exploring God’s love for our neighborhoods in some very practical ways.  As a person, let God love your neighborhood through you now as you expand your list of needed gifts.

May god richly lead and bless you this most wonderful time of the year.

Scott Downing

 

Letter from the Wright Family…

 

 

Dear CCC Family,

Some of you still have may not have heard but Stacy, the kids and I are moving to Colorado.  For all of us this is bitter-sweet, leaving a home and an extended family is going to be hard, but we are all looking forward to what God has planned.

I hope you know that you have been a huge part of the Wrights.  We feel so blessed that God lead us to Clayton Community Church eight years ago.  We are humbled by what we have seen God do through so many.  Our relationship with Jesus became real because of how you embraced us and showed us His light in so many ways.  All we can say is thank you for everything; the prayers, the friendships, the discipleship, the meals, the chances to smile and laugh, the shoulders to cry on, the encouragement, the support, the way you have helped us raise our four kids, a place where two of our children excepted Jesus as their Lord and savior, where all of them have learn that God loves them and wants to be their friend forever.  Thank You!!!!

We feel so honored that you entrusted us with your children the past two and half years.  We are going to miss seeing your children each and every week, watching them grow not only is size but more importantly faith.  I hope you know that you all have the greatest kids in the world, and we thank you for letting us be a part of their lives. 

One of the hardest things for me is that I leave a great team and a ministry that I know is headed for amazing things.  The people that are in place have such a passion for your children and you as a family.  I hope you know how blessed you are.  These people arrive Sunday morning and can’t wait for the chance to be a part of your children’s lives.  God has great things planned and it is hard knowing that I just get to hear about it and will not be playing a major part.  But I am excited to hear about the next steps that will take place and I pray that you are too.

With all that said we have asked God a number of times are you sure we are supposed to move?  And through much prayer, we can not shake the fact that God wants us in Colorado to lead the Children and Family ministry at a church called Colorado Ridge.  The church is located near Boulder in a town called Broomfield.  It is a mobile church (I still get to set up each week, YES) and a few years younger than CCC.    We are hoping to move out mid-December and maybe have a white Christmas and then start the ministry in the New Year.  We are excited to see how God will use us and we all can’t wait to hit the slopes for some epic snow.  Stacy says that she will send out a picture the first time I have to wear long pants.  I am currently looking for some wool flip-flops so if you hear of any please let me know.  If any of you get to Colorado we would love to see you. 

We only feel we can do this because of all we take with us from CCC.  When we look back we hope that we have left a little because we know that we have taken a bunch.  We will be praying for you all and know that you will have some cheerleaders in Colorado rooting and praying for you.

I hope that you know that we will miss you and love you from the bottom of our hearts.

Blessings

John, Stacy, Peyton, JT, Quinn and Jory Wright

John’s last day as Children’s Director at CCC is December 1. 

There will be a special going away party for the Wright family December 3

at 12 noon in the Multi-purpose room at DVMS.

 


Junior High Ministry

 

By Tobey L. Nichols - Interim Junior High Director

WOW! This fall was a truly amazing experience. Getting to know the junior high kids that attend Club C3 Thursday and Sunday meetings has brought me so much joy. Serving in this capacity has helped me grow so much closer with my savior. I have been coming closer and meeting more intimately with Christ everyday. I found this fall to be a blessing, serving these kids and helping introduce them to the amazing individual that Jesus is. I have learned so much from talking and spending time with the kids. I have been truly blessed with this opportunity to serve and have been enjoying every moment.

This fall our Club C3 has transformed a little. The group has begun to have a half an hour small group time to close out our Thursday evenings. This has presented an opportunity for our wonderful adult leaders to get to know these kids and show them Christ’s love. The leaders and students have been building lasting relationships that are visible in and out of our Club C3 meetings. It is so refreshing to see these relationships being built and honoring God. Also so far this fall we have already had several events that have got students plugged in and having a great time while learning about their savior. 

Here’s what’s coming up in Club C3 for the Christmas season:

November

18          Saturday-Princess Party (Church office)

                            Guys Night (Location TBA)

23          Thursday- No Club C3 (Happy Thanksgiving)

December

14          Thursday- Progressive Dinner Party and White Elephant

                                  Gifts (Last Club C3 Thursday till Jan. 11)

19-20     Tues.-Wed. - San Francisco Mission Trip

                       And Ice Skating

31          Sunday-Club C3 New Year’s Party

*See Event Flyers for All the Details

*Club C3 Thursdays: 7pm-8:30pm @ Diablo View Middle School

*No Club C3 Thursdays Dec. 21, Dec. 28, and Jan. 4. Club C3 Thursdays will resume Jan. 11.

*Club C3 Sundays at 10:45 in the 500 building at Diablo View Middle School

I want to thank all our adult leaders for there help this fall. Their love and commitment for these kids is truly amazing. They have all began growing Godly relationships with these kids which has made this fall such a success. Our adult leaders are:

Hayley Gustafson                                                Andy Matthews

Holly Glennen                                                     Howard Butler

Lauren Fenner                                                    Marc Pacheco

Lauren Carter                                                     Parker Gustafson

Leah Carter

Tobey L. Nichols
Interim Junior High Director
673-2156; tobey.nichols@claytoncc.com

 

Five17 High School Ministries

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;

the old has gone, the new has come!”  (Second Corinthians Five17)

By Pastor Rick Nylund

This Fall we have moved our Five17 small groups into various homes and it has really added a warmth and depth to our small group experience. I really want to encourage every high school student in the CCC family to join a Five17 small group!

This Fall we have been studying and discussing the Ten Commandments. As we’ve been reflecting on God’s Top Ten rules for living his way it has become very clear that these are fundamental issues we need to establish in our lives. We’ve asked ourselves questions like:

As we approach Christmas in the next few weeks I have a renewed focused on those bigger areas of my life that God’s wants to ensure don’t give way to insignificant distractions that can often take up so much valuable time. Such as:

My desire is to allow God’s heart to shape mine this Christmas and I hope by keeping focused on the fundamentals, God’s basic 10, I will have a better chance of experiencing the kind of Christ-centered Christmas that will bring honor to him and my loved ones!

***

We have several exciting events coming up this Christmas season for our students to enjoy:

Upcoming Events for five17

November

December

      • 7-9pm

                                         

Coming Winter 2007

10th Annual Ski Frenzy!

Feb. 22-25

*Please look for Event Flyers for all the details!!

Five17 meets Sundays at 10:45 at DVMS and Thursdays from 8-9pm at the CCC Office.

Five17Small Groups meet Thursdays at local homes from 6-7:45pm. Please call Rick for further info!

In Christ’s love,

Rick Nylund

Pastor of Student Ministries

673-2163; rick.nylund@claytoncc.com

 

Young Marrieds Ministries

 

 

By Adam and Raimee Gould

The first years of any marriage are absolutely foundational to the future success and growth of that relationship. The many surprises, challenges and realizations are enough to make any couple ask: is it just us? Finding out you have a lot in common with other recently married couples can be comforting and offer the kind of support that leads to building a Christ-centered marriage that will last!  CCC has a growing group of young married couples that realize there are many others dealing with the same tendencies, blessings, and need for Christ to be a continual focus at the center of the relationship. Here is one couple’s experience of how our Young Marrieds ministry has been a place to connect with others and grow in marriage…

 

Clayton Community has already ministered so much to us  after we were married in Sept. of 2005.  The Young Marrieds Group has simply amplified the opportunities to grow and be encouraged by others.  We have made so many friends and have enjoyed learning from those in other stages of life from raising young kids, to having grown kids, and also, of course, having the marriage experience and maturity that is provided from seeking His wisdom over time.  A testimony of a solid marriage with a firm foundation is one that goes a long way for a world that maintains an expectation that it is o.k. to step away from marriage when your personal preferences are not being satisfied.

 

Currently there are 3 Bible Study groups whereby we share experiences and get answers by digging into The Word.  We have been enjoying the Sunday morning iMarriage class that includes a wider range of couples from newlyweds to those married over 30 years.  This class has already shed great enlightenment for those of us that replace "desires" for "expectations" in our marriage (all of us).   We have found that analyzing how the marriage relationship should mirror Christ's relationship with the church gives great insight as to His true intentions for our daily response to each other as husband and wife.  

 

This year's Young Married events included a movie night "under the stars", ice skating , a couples game night, BBQ and swim party, Habitat for Humanity, City Team Service, Shakespeare theater event, and Famous Couples Costume Party.  As we get to know our peers, I am overjoyed to tell you how great it has been to get to know other couples at our church with more marriage experience who we hope will visit YOUNG MARRIEDS in the future.  I am excited to see what God will do next!

~Adam & Raimee Gould

Upcoming Events for Young Marrieds

November

December

For more information please contact Rick Nylund @673-2163 or rick.nylund@claytoncc.com

 

Worship Arts

 

A CREATIVE CHRISTMAS

This Christmas season we have some exciting happenings in Worship Ministries.  Bob and I are especially excited about the role that our Creative Team has been taking as we have been collaborating for our current message series Just Walk Across the Room.  Most people aren’t aware of this talented group of creative people who’s sole purpose is to meet and brainstorm, design, and implement interesting and engaging gatherings on Sunday mornings.  Our deep desire is to provide a place and an avenue to meet with the King of Kings and Lord or Lords, the lover of our souls, and the Father God who expressed His own matchless creativity through the designing of the wonders of our universe.  And He wants us to experience Him, not only on Sunday’s, but every moment of every waking hour.

So how can we experience God in worship, and bring others along to experience Him as well?  This season we are providing several opportunities for you to “just walk across the room” with the people God puts in your path. 

CHRISTMAS AT UNCLE PHIL’S DINER

The Outreach and the Drama Ministries are excited to be partnering together this year to present a very unique opportunity for our church at this year’s annual Christmas Banquet.  “Christmas at Uncle Phil’s Diner” is an evening of interactive theatre, food, and music designed specifically for you to invite friends, family, and neighbors.  It is a way to build a bridge to those people whom God has put in your life that don’t yet know Him.  It’s an easy way to “just walk across the room”!  And most importantly, it’s a chance to show our guests the warmth of our own church family as well as how we express our love for God through our creativity and hospitality.  This wonderful “Christmasy” evening includes great entertainment and a wonderful dinner provided by Englund’s Catering.  And all you have to do is sit back and enjoy!  I encourage everyone to come celebrate with us and take advantage of this incredible outreach opportunity!  We have two seatings on Sunday, December 10th at 5:00 and 7:30. Reservations for this free event will be available soon!  Contact Marianne Roberts for more info: mer_94521@yahoo.com

SUNDAY GATHERINGS

All through the month of December we’ll design our gatherings around the theme of Christmas.  Different families will be leading our weekly advent readings.  Music and dance will center on the theme of Christ’s birth.  Drama’s will bring life and humor to the Christmas message, and many other creative elements will be implemented to help all of us enter in and participate on Sunday mornings.  It’s the perfect season for bringing a guest with you to church!


SUNDAY CHRISTMAS EVE GATHERINGS

This year we will have one 10:00AM morning gathering, and two evening gatherings at 5:00 and 7:00PM.  The morning and night gatherings will be completely different so join us for both!  If you enjoy singing, but just aren’t able to commit to the worship team every week, our Christmas Eve choir is a great opportunity for you to join us.  There are only two practices, then we’ll sing at 5:00 and 7:00 and share a Christmas Eve dinner together in between gatherings. Contact Patti Engle for details.  Pmengle220@astound.net

Come join us and experience the joy of worshiping God through music this Christmas Season! 

YOUR MISSIONS SUPPORT

AT WORK IN THE LIVES OF PEOPLE

Clayton Community Church and CityTeam, Oakland

"He conquered alcohol abuse, dealt with the pain of the past

and found new freedom in Christ."

Richard

 

 

At CityTeam, Robert discovered a new sense of family.

At this point in the year, you probably haven’t given Thanksgiving a thought yet. But at CityTeam we have already started planning for the large number of hungry and homeless people who will need our help in the next 90 days. Our challenge is that we desperately need to restock our pantry. There’s no worse time to have a food shortage than in the weeks before our busiest time of year --the Thanksgiving season. Needy men, women and children will be coming to us for help. With your help we can provide not only meals, but also real hope and real change for lost and hopeless neighbor --. people just like Robert*.

Robert never knew his mother. Her death, when he was just 3 years old, robbed him of the most precious of all good gifts – a mother’s love.

When his father remarried, the new wife resented Robert, giving preference to her own two children. While he felt obligated to provide food and shelter for Robert, he emotionally abandoned his firstborn son.

Imagine what it’s like to grow up resented by your family. Devoid of even the smallest taste of affection. Robert was filled with a dreary emptiness. Already homeless at heart, the young man left to attend college as soon as he could.

Addictions often start because a person is trying to escape unbearable pain. For Robert, drinking alcohol dulled his sense of emptiness -- if only for a short time. During college, he married, hoping a wife might help him forget his feelings of aloneness. But because he did not know how to love, the marriage quickly ended in divorce.

After graduating, Robert landed a good job. The ambitious, young man hoped he might finally discover his life’s purpose by working hard. But the nagging hunger in his bankrupt heart could not be forgotten with hard work or alcohol. The scars went much deeper than that. By drinking more than ever, Robert was following a path of self-destruction. I’m unlovable. I’m inadequate. No one wants me. The boss had to let him go.

No family. No job. No wife . . . to complete the picture, he lost his housing as well.

For a full year, Robert wandered. Homeless. Defeated. Alone. His inner pain painted itself onto the canvas of his daily world. Moving from shelter to shelter, without a rallying-point of family love to guide him, this tortured man was completely lost.

He kept hearing about CityTeam from people on the streets. So one night he walked through our doors. Welcomed by our friendly staff, he was given a chance to clean up and sit down to a hot meal. Before bedtime, Robert experienced a stirring in his heart. That night, as he climbed between clean bed sheets he felt an unfamiliar sensation. Was it “safety”? “protection”? “unconditional love”?

Robert longed to know more about the Man they talked about in chapel service and returned night after night. Never before had he known the kind of acceptance and even appreciation the CityTeam staff lavished on him. Why did they treat him with such amazing kindness? Didn’t they know how unworthy he felt inside? Jesus was turning his whole world upside down!

Like a child falling into the arms of his loving parent, Robert discovered a new sense of family at CityTeam. He eagerly joined our Christian Discipleship and Recovery Program where counselors helped him conquer alcohol abuse, deal with the pain of the past and find new freedom in Christ. Everywhere he turned, friends, closer than brothers, were there to encourage his slow, steady and total transformation. Today, as a graduate of our program, Robert has joined CityTeam’s staff. This talented, well-educated and caring man serves as a program coordinator. Who better to know the needs of hurting, homeless men than one who has “been there” himself?

Richard Crooks Story (*Robert)

 

Men’s Ministry

 

By Shahram Ameli

When I first began leading the CCC Men’s Ministry, I saw a need for greater connection among the men of our church, and a need for them to have a place to come together.

I have seen God transform this ministry and work greatly in our hearts.  The first retreat I attended had about 35 men attend; the following year that doubled to about 70.

This past year 110 men attended our CCC Men’s Retreat at Mission Springs.

Men have also been responding to the camaraderie of our monthly men’s breakfasts. This month over 40 men showed up and Pastor Scott Downing spoke on the issue of pornography and the damage it causes. The breakfasts are a time of teaching on topics that affect our lives and help us to walk our Christian walk together.

Last August, the ministry organized a men’s barbecue at Clayton Community Park that was enjoyed by a great group of guys. Along with the barbecue, the guys did horse-shoe tossing and tug-of-war.

The vision for the future of the ministry includes doing more fun events as well as coming together for service projects on a quarterly basis.

The planning for the Men’s Retreat 2007 has begun. This year’s retreat will be March 7—9th at Mt. Hermon, with Pastor Scott Downing as our speaker.

It’s been exciting for me to see some of the younger men of CCC showing an interest in the ministry. I’m hoping for even more of their involvement in our upcoming events, as well as get their input on what they’d like to see happen.

Your brother in Christ,

Shahram Ameli

Shahram.ameli@claytoncc.com

 

Women’s Ministry

 

Women's RETREAT JAN 19-21, 2007

We will be heading to Mission Springs in the Santa Cruz mountains again this year. We hope you will join us for this time of refreshment and growing closer to God and the women of CCC.  Stop by our table on Sunday’s between gatherings to sign up.  If you have questions, contact Julie Williamson (673-8957) or Nina Mills (673-5244).

 

Community Ministry

 

By Brenda Ameli

Circles…

Have you ever had the experience of someone observing something about you that maybe seems like a little thing but ends up giving you an entirely new perspective?

That happened to me a couple of weeks ago; someone I trust and respect told me that I have a gift of living in ever-expanding circles.

Funny, because I had thought of that as something of a character flaw in myself--- having a desire to continually expand my circle of ministry, of friends, my understanding of

God.

So I’ve been thinking about circles.  I used to see Community as lots of ever-moving circles, sometimes overlapping, sometimes separate----a picture created by one of those spirograph toys. Now I’m beginning to see Community as more of a concentric circle design, with a solid, unchanging center. From that center one small circle begins but doesn’t close. Instead, it travels around the center making a little bit bigger circle, and again around, making a still bigger circle. And so on and so on, never-ending, never closing the circle, bringing new people, new ideas, new understanding with each trip around the center.

The center.  I teach Pilates classes and talk about the center, or core, constantly with my students. One thing they hear me say over and over again, is “Don’t make a move without first checking to see that your core is strong and actively engaged in the movement.”

In my life, the center of my concentric circle, and the core of all my movement, is Jesus.

When I apply my Pilates concept of checking in to make sure I’m in touch with my core, my movement around that center is smooth, beautiful, joyful.

When I am living my life in active engagement with Jesus through prayer, daily reading of the Word, strengthened by supportive Christian community, I can move freely and expand my circle without fear.

Entering into the season of Christmas, I think of Jesus’ prayer for all believers----that we may “be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” John 17:21

He came for us, out of a love that we can barely comprehend.

I pray that His love and Jesus’ prayer for the world to know that he came for each one of us will be both the center of my circle and the reason it will be continually expanding, never closing.

Brenda Ameli

community@claytoncc.com

 

Dance Minisrty

 

By Brenda Ameli

THE SPIRIT MOVES

As I sit to write this, I’m aware of my need to get up and move around in order to help my ideas flow and to clarify my thoughts.  The mystery of how the body and mind work together is fascinating; add to that the nearly incomprehensible reality of our body as the dwelling place for God’s Holy Spirit and words fail me.

It’s my job, my ministry, my calling, to explore the ways the physical body expresses the spirit and how movement of the body opens pathways into our hearts that may otherwise be inaccessible. I’ve studied the human body, what it looks like on the inside, how the muscles and bones and joints work together to create movement, and I marvel at all of that.

Still, or perhaps because of my interest in dance and movement, what stirs most deeply in my heart is the wonder of God coming to us in bodily form through Jesus Christ.

As Dallas Willard states in his book, “Revolution of Character”, “The way of Christ is relentlessly incarnational---it is bodily.”  Entering into the season where we Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus, I try to grasp the truth of 1 John 4:9---  “This is how God showed his love among us; He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.” Eternal life, yes….and that we might live through him NOW---in this body.

Jesus coming into the world inhabiting a human body brings an undeniable spiritual significance to our physical beings.

I hope that you will ponder the sacredness of your own body this season, finding time to honor and care for it as part of your spiritual practice. Be amazed at the birth of Jesus and of God entering into our physical world and moving among us.

Honor Him with your body and with all that you do through it on this earth.

And in this season where so many of us are moving, running, doing, I hope that you will discover the immense pleasure of being still.

Brenda Ameli

thespiritmoves@gmail.com

 

Care Ministries

 

 

Angel Tree

What is Angel Tree?  This unique ministry gives us an opportunity to share Christ’s love by helping to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the families of prisoners.  Participating in the Angel Tree program is a powerful way for our church community to lovingly answer the biblical call to minister to “the least of these”.  Clayton Community Church has made an annual commitment to this highly rewarding program, and recognizes it as a way to care for some of the most overlooked members of our community.

The Angel Tree Christmas program works by connecting parents in prison with their children through the delivery of Christmas gifts.  In our case, generous volunteers purchase and then deliver gifts to children in the name of their prisoner-parent.

Each child in the Angel Tree Program will receive two gifts – one new toy, or other fun gift, and one new article of clothing – each $20 - $30 in value.  In late November and early December, these “Angels” become available for all to choose from.  The gifts, when purchased by you, will be returned to church by December 10th already wrapped, with the angel tag attached.  

Once the gifts have been returned gift wrapped, then volunteers have the rewarding experience of delivering the gifts to the child’s home.  There is nothing like it!  The children are so excited to receive a gift from their parent who is unable to spend Christmas with them.  Their smiles say it all.

We need volunteers to help with making phone calls to caregivers, helping on Sundays, and sorting and delivering gifts.  If you are interested, please mark the tear-off or contact Elisa Dudley for more information at 524-0579 or e-mail:  dudleytree4@comcast.net 

 

Latest Property Update . . .

 

By Pastor Shawn Robinson

So what’s up with the property? Why do we keep waiting for the results? Like me, you are probably getting anxious to see our church get started with taking the next steps in this great adventure that will affect the future of our church for years to come.

So here’s the “bottom line”…we postponed our “town hall meeting” because WE”RE STILL WAITING! We’re waiting to receive some valuable information from the owner—a 2nd appraisal as well as a response to some additional environmental, annexation and development questions.

While for some this might be seen as frustrating news, our leaders see this as a time to get all our “ducks in a row”. We don’t want to give you “half-cocked” information that is incomplete before we give you all the necessary information necessary for a final evaluation. We won’t waste your valuable time with meetings until we can answer all of your questions.

Some have questioned whether this waiting time is just being used to justify a higher price for the land. Let me assure you that we are doing everything we can to work out a price for our future church home that is fair, reasonable, and within our church’s means. If the price for this property does not ultimately fit this criteria then we will look for another piece of property to call home.

Either way, we ask you to pray for our future church home. We also want to thank you for your giving to the capital campaign fund that is over and above your normal giving. We have been concerned that giving to our general church operating budget might go down during this time (and that would be a serious problem to what God is currently doing now in the life of our church), but our budget is holding it’s own because of your continued generosity in addition to your additional giving for the property—this can  only be described as a phenomenal work of God—through YOU!

So here are the keys words for now…

If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact me or one of our leaders.

Your pastor--Shawn

 

 

 

December Happenings

Clayton Christmas Tree Lighting-downtown Clayton on December 2nd starting at 5:30 at the Museum.  We want to be a part of our community so bring your family to see the Mt. Diablo Children’s choir and watch as we light the town tree. CCC will be offering warm cider and donut holes to all in our Community room.

All-Church Christmas Banquet: Mark your calendar now for Sunday, December 10th for the annual CCC Christmas Dinner.  You will not want to miss this opportunity to bring your family, friends and neighbors to enjoy a delicious dinner served by Englund's Catering in the setting of a 50's diner.  It will be an interactive event with lots of music and fun.  So drag out those bobby sox, penny loafers, poodle skirts and letter jackets and just "walk across the room" or office or street to invite someone you have been wanting to bring to CCC.  They'll see that church can be fun!  Dinner times will be at 5PM for a more kid friendly event (please arrive at 4:45 so that we can begin promptly at 5) and 7:30 PM for a more adult oriented evening.

Caring for Others This Christmas:  There are several ways our church family can help those in our community.  We will be collecting boxed stuffing mix for CityTeam for the Thanksgiving and Christmas boxes they give to those in need in Oakland. 

We also need to restock our food pantry to help those who need assistance with groceries during this season.  We need donations of hamburger, chicken, butter, cereal, pasta, rice, soups, etc.  Please bring these contributions to the Welcome Center on Sundays or to the church office.

Christmas Eve– We will have one 10am Gathering in the morning and our traditional

candlelight services at 5 & 7pm.

December 31-We will meet at our regular Gathering times of 9 & 10:45am.

November 2006