The Hub Magazine Issue 8

Our Journey Toward Peace

by Marc Montanye

Beyond Ourselves

by Mark Ashton

NO O HTheresa’s E R Story JohnT and of NGod’s A Faithful M EPresence

TO OVERLOOKED PEOPLE IN WEST AFRICA

CHRIST COMMUNITY CHURCH

View the CCC Calendar of Events on the last page OCTOBER–NOVEMBER / 2018 / ISSUE 8

S U N D AY MORNING SERVICES 404 S 108 Ave, Omaha 68154 402.330.3360 | cccomaha.org info@cccomaha.org TRADITIONS 9 AM / Worship Center Timeless hymns and songs of faith led by Pastor Steve Yost and a spirited choir and orchestra ACCESS 9 AM / Student Center Powerful and engaging band-led worship in a relaxed environment ACCESS 10:45 AM / Worship Center Powerful and engaging band-led worship in a relaxed environment

ONLINE 9 & 10:45 AM / cccomaha.tv The 9 AM Traditions service and the 10:45 AM Access service are streamed live online every Sunday

OCTOBER–NOVEMBER / 2018 / ISSUE 8

Publisher | CHRIST COMMUNITY CHURCH Editor | JONATHAN NORTON Art Director | JONATHAN NORTON Copy Editor | RACHEL BEBEE Graphic Designer | MARIE DUFOUR Contributing Writers: Joe Jensen, Mark Ashton, Marc Montanye Contributing Photographers: Marie Dufour, Jonathan Norton, Justin Kauffman (Unsplash), Billy Pasco (Unsplash) Contributing Designers: Jonathan Norton, Dillon Wheelock (illustration for The Story) THE HUB MAGAZINE 404 S 108 Ave | Omaha, NE 68154 402.330.3360 | hub@cccomaha.org cccomaha.org/hub | cccomaha.org

The Hub Magazine is published every two months

by Christ Community Church. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher.

Copyright 2018 Christ Community Church.

All rights reserved.

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BY JOE JENSEN

I

t is with mixed emotions that we share with the readers of The Hub Magazine that Melody Karnes passed away on September 4, 2018.

The mixed emotions come because in one sense we are saddened and grieve her passing.

However, we as followers of Jesus know and believe that Melody is now in heaven with God the Father and her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She is free of pain and suffering. She is in the very presence of her creator, and for that we celebrate.

Many of you may remember Melody as the cover story of our very first issue of The Hub Magazine, printed in the fall of 2016. She courageously shared her story, reflecting on the challenges of her ALS diagnosis and the hope and peace her faith in Jesus gave her in the midst of pain and despair.

Melody was baptized on June 12, 2016, at CCC's Baptism on the Green. “I remember going under the water and coming back up, and it felt amazing! I really did feel ‘brand new,’” Melody said as she reflected on that day.

It was this new identity and new purpose that gave her the strength to endure the hardships of a terminal disease. It was the memory of her baptism that would give her hope even in the most hopeless of situations. And although ALS took her strength and eventually her life, it would never take away her passion, faith, and love for God and her family.

Melody’s story reminds us now as it did back then that our stories matter to God. He uses every one of us and the experiences we’ve had in life to masterfully weave together a greater story of redemption and hope. This is

why we work so hard to put The Hub Magazine together—to tell these stories and connect them to the life of Christ Community Church.

As you open the pages of this current issue and read more stories of hope, may you remember Melody’s story and reflect on your own as well. Consider how God is working in you and how he wants to use you to make a difference in the life of someone else, just like Melody did.

You can learn more about The Hub Magazine, read the first issue with Melody’s story or other past issues, and give feedback online at cccomaha.org/hub. §

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BY JOE JENSEN

I

remember getting the call from our receptionist, who said, “A man who goes to the church is in need of a pastor to speak with.” As I went out to the CCC atrium, I immediately recognized John. He was one of our Access service usher volunteers. John is hard not to notice. He has a tough-looking exterior—shaved head, long white goatee, tattoos, a guy who looks like he owns a Harley (and he actually does). As I walked up to John that day, I noticed something was wrong. I could tell by his tear-filled eyes that something terrible had happened. We sat down. John opened his mouth but no words came out.

He paused and then mustered up the little strength he had left to get out the most dreaded phrase any parent could ever have to say out loud: “My daughter Mary died the day before yesterday and I don’t know what to do now.”

Two days later I was conducting Mary’s funeral, laying her to rest at Westlawn-Hillcrest Cemetery. Family and friends put their arms around John and his wife Theresa. Prayers were prayed. Scripture was read. A eulogy was given. Memories were shared. And then, one by one, people went home as the graveside service concluded, and John and Theresa were left picking up the pieces of their broken hearts.

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THE HUB MAGAZINE / CCCOMAHA.ORG

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• Left: John in the hospital after the motorcycle accident (image provided by Theresa Foster) • Top Right: John & Theresa sharing their story at CCC's Advance Commitment Night in October 2017 • Bottom Right: Photos of the Fostersʼ late daughter Mary, who passed away in 2016

Just a couple of days later I showed up to Sunday services at CCC, making my rounds about the church. I was surprised to see John and Theresa sitting in their usual spots in church. They had such a tough weekend that I surely thought they would be at home, closing themselves off from the outside world. On the contrary, after giving them both a hug and telling them I was a bit surprised to see them there, John leaned in and said, “There’s no other place we’d rather be during this time than with our church family.” That statement sums up the Fosters’ unwavering faith in the midst of the trials and pain they faced that year. It’s what sustained them through the storms of loss and grief and it’s what continues to give them strength today.

John and Theresa met in 1974, instantly fell in love, and got married three months later. Shortly after their wedding, John joined the Air Force, which sent them traveling the states and the world as John was stationed in places like Tuscon, Arizona, Sumter, South Carolina, and Rhaunen, Germany.

Because deep friendships in the military lifestyle are hard to come by, they relied on their faith and connection with a local church to provide the relational community they both craved.

The last of John’s reassignments led them back to Omaha in July 1994. They struggled in their faith for a time and didn’t immediately get connected into a local church. However, one day their daughter came home from a church she went to with her friend and said, “Mom and Dad, you have to come check out Christ Community Church.” John and Theresa did

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and began attending and serving at CCC with their family on a regular basis. That decision changed the trajectory of their lives and family and had a huge impact on how they were able to face adversity, pain, and grief twenty years later.

2016: BEYOND THE “VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH” On April 14, 2016, John and Theresa were riding on John’s Harley heading west on Dodge Street in midtown when a car pulled out in front of them.

They hit that car head-on going 40 mph. Theresa suffered a few broken ribs, along with many bumps and bruises. As the driver in front, John’s injuries were much worse. If it wasn’t for God using the trauma nurse who happened to be driving behind them, the praying woman eating at a restaurant nearby who was first on the scene, and a top surgeon who just so happened to be on-call, many at the hospital concurred that John probably wouldn’t have made it. After nine days in the hospital, John went home and continued to heal from his injuries.

And of course, as soon as he was able, he was back on a new Harley. “I was not going to give in to fear,” John said. That was a statement that not only got him back on his bike, it was one that defined their unwavering faith and trust in God as they endured the death of their daughter six months later.

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (KJV). I read that verse along with the rest of

Psalm 23 at Mary’s funeral. As John and Theresa found themselves in that valley, they held onto the same promise King David did: God was with them. Even in the darkest moments of pain and grief. Even when there were no words. Just tears. God was present. God was real. And God had a plan for their lives that brought them beyond mere belief to fully surrendered to him.

2017: BEYOND BELIEF A year after Mary’s passing, which just so happened to be the same week as their wedding anniversary, John took a couple days off work to spend time with Theresa.

Theresa described how hard the “firsts” without Mary were—the first birthday, the first Christmas, the first Easter, the first Mother’s Day and Father’s Day—all of them were excruciatingly difficult. Of course, the first anniversary of Mary’s death was no exception.

During that week, John answered a call from his boss letting him know that they were restructuring and thus eliminating his position. So, adding to an already difficult week, John and Theresa had to process the future with no job and the idea of early retirement.

To complicate matters, the Fosters, as a part of the Beyond Belief initiative at CCC, decided days earlier to make a financial commitment based on John’s previous income.

The Advance Commitment Night event, where hundreds of people from the church were the first to make their commitments, was just a couple days away and they had a choice to make. Should they change their commitment? Should they not make a commitment at all?

For John and Theresa, this was an easy decision. “God has been faithful to us our entire lives, especially over the last year. He’ll

continue to be faithful in the future.

So we decided to trust him with the commitment we already made.” They went to the Strategic Air and Space Museum on Friday, October 27, 2017, and dropped their Beyond Belief commitment in the container, trusting that God would provide. He has. He still does today.

God has provided for the Fosters more than just financially. He has provided them with his faithful presence. He has given them a depth in their understanding of him that they would have never had if they didn’t

endure the pain of a near-death experience, the loss of a child, and the loss of a job. God brought them through the storm of 2016, pulled them out of the waves of grief and loss, and gave them a story to share: one of hope, one of love, and one of faithfulness.

Whenever you ask John and Theresa to sum up their story, they usually say three simple but profound words: God is faithful.

He is. He is indeed. § Joe Jensen is the Executive Pastor of Discipleship Ministries at Christ Community Church

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YOUR GENEROSITY IS CHANGING LIVES Make a one-time gift or set up recurring giving to contribute to the life-changing ministry of Christ Community Church.

give.cccomaha.org

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B E Y O N D O U R S E L V E S

Perhaps you have attended Christ Community Church for decades, or maybe you walked into the doors for the first time today. Regardless of your tenure, your past, or your experience with spiritual matters, you can expect to experience these three things in order at CCC: BELONG—BELIEVE—BECOME. BELONG One of the best things about Christ Community Church is that there is a place for everyone.

We are a five-generation church with thriving ministry from babies to boomers and beyond.

When Jesus invited people to follow him, he didn’t give prerequisites of status or income.

He invited people from all backgrounds—stinky fishermen, an unscrupulous tax collector, a political revolutionary. He broke social barriers by including women, forgiving prostitutes, and partying with tax collectors. Jesus created places for people to belong.

At CCC, you can belong before you believe, because God loves you right where you are.

You don’t need to have perfect or even adequate theology. No matter what baggage you carry or what you did last night, you are welcome here.

You are loved by God and that is enough for us.

The dream is that CCC is a safe place to hear a dangerous message. That means belonging to a community where you can love and be loved, serve and be served, invest and be invested in.

You can find and develop deep friendships here with people who want to grow closer to God as they walk by your side. Continued on next page >>

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BELIEVE God loves us so much that he does not simply leave us where we are.

Since each of us is a work in progress, his Spirit moves in us to take us closer and closer to knowing and becoming like Jesus There really is truth when it comes to mathematics. There really is truth to history. And there really is truth when it comes to God. His agenda for your life is to communicate to you what he is really like and for you to align your beliefs with the truth that he shows you. God is so big that this is an individualized process for each person. It starts wherever you are and takes you to the next step of life!

Thousands of people at CCC and billions around the world have discovered not only the love of Jesus but his truth as well. He is the beginning and the end of all existence and all truth. His invitation is not just to know him as a set of propositional statements, but know him as a person. In time, you will grow closer and closer to him!

You belong before you believe and you believe before you become.

BECOME The dream that God has for you is one that is beyond belief! He wants you to move beyond belief to full surrender to him and his purposes.

In other words, his agenda is that you become.

• • • •

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Become more like Jesus than you are now Become more aware of your identity and purpose Become wiser in the way you approach decisions Become deeper in the way you look at relationships

The process of becoming is called sanctification. When you trust in Jesus for your life and forgiveness and future, the Holy Spirit comes to live within your soul. He gives you all that you need to become more like Jesus. Jesus promised that God will give the Holy Spirit liberally to anybody who asks.

This fall, join the continued journey that will take you beyond belief. Some practical ways you can accomplish this would be by

you will be empowered to become a spiritual leader in your family and your kids will benefit from having the Story formed in their soul from an early age.

Another way you can go beyond belief is through your own soul care.

Dr. Terry Wardle will be joining us for the SoulCare Conference, October 26–27. Dr. Wardle is a former pastor and seminary president who specializes in spiritual formation. He will expose us to great

B E L O N G B E L I E V E B E C O M E

participating in The Story. We are at the start of a 31-week adventure going through the story of the Bible from beginning to end. Reading The Story every week, hearing it taught on Sundays, and discussing it in a small group environment will have tremendous benefits. By the end of March, you will have an outstanding overview of the story itself and how your story relates to the Story of stories. You will develop skills in feeding yourself from the Bible that will enable you to be a lifelong self-feeder, empowering you to become more like the Bible teaches. In tackling The Story with your family and reading the children’s resources with your kids,

teaching on core identity issues.

Dr. Wardle is a highly sought-after speaker who will help us become like Jesus through issues of our personal identity. This is a can’t-miss conference in the life of our church that will take you to entirely new places spiritually.

BELONG—BELIEVE— B E C O M E : these three steps are the keys to moving beyond ourselves to becoming more and more like Christ. He invites us into community, then into a deep relationship with him, and finally into new life where we are like him and represent him.

Join the journey beyond belief! § Mark Ashton is the Lead Pastor at Christ Community Church

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Discover The Story in a

JO U RNE Y GRO U P

cccomaha.org/journeygroups

R ea d ing Guide / O c tobe r– Nov e mbe r The Story is a book of selections from the NIV Bible, arranged chronologically, that reads like a novel. During this unique 31-week message series at CCC, every member of the family reads their own version of The Story. Resources can be purchased online through Amazon or in the Atrium at Christ Community Church at discounted prices.

Below are the adult and student readings for October–November.

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BY MARC MONTANYE

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.

In this world you will have trouble.

But take heart!

I have overcome the world.”

–John 16:33

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B

rad Richarz always seems to be filled with joy. His infectious smile can be seen every Sunday, radiating from his joyful persona as he serves as a team lead on CCC's Security Team. Those of us who know him would describe him as a good man, a beloved brother who serves those around him exceptionally well. He’s a family man, a good father and husband, and a great friend. But behind that infectious smile was a man who had been searching for peace for many years without realizing what he sought.

Brad’s search led him down the familiar paths of people-pleasing, of putting othersʼ needs and wants before his own in an effort to bring

about peace in his life. He would say that he fell into the trap of the daily grind. He thought that if he could just help everyone around him to be happy, he could be happy as well. This past summer he realized that the baggage he was trying to carry for those around him wasn’t producing a sense of peace, but the opposite. His pursuit was separating him from the peace he sought.

Brad recalled, “I realized that I couldn’t be everyone’s happiness for them any longer. I couldn’t help with that; people have to find that within themselves through a more intentional relationship with God. I realized I had to put down the bag of bricks—or whatever you want to

• Brad with his wife Cymmie and their children Will & Ella during their visit to Colorado (image provided by Brad)

call it—that I was trying to carry for everyone else. You get so used to carrying it that you don’t notice it’s there. It labors each step, consumes your thoughts, your time, and your resources, but I still carried it.”

This struggle in the pursuit of peace is a familiar one. Brad shared, “It’s easy to put yourself on the back burner, to set aside your own health and your own personal care in the pursuit of caring for others.” Brad realized that carrying this burden was leading to personal burnout.

While on a family vacation to Colorado and Wyoming, Brad laid down this burden. “Those ten days allowed me to reflect without the pressures of the daily grind.

I took time to really look within and analyze things. It gave me an opportunity to evaluate my relationship with God.” Spending time with family in nature was beneficial for Brad.

“For me it’s sometimes been years in between doing that for myself, resetting that balance. I was able to spend time with my family and to talk to God, to ask him, ‘God, is this what you want for me and my family?’ Sometimes I think I know what he wants me to do, but that time in the mountains let me sit back and truly listen for his call on my life.”

The world has a subtle way of luring us into the daily behaviors that separate us from God. Seventeenthcentury English Puritan William Gurnall asked, “Do you know how subtle your enemy is? And if your enemy works by subtlety do you not also know that ‘God is ready there also’?”

Turning away from the lure of the world around him and turning toward God provided Brad with the opportunity to listen for and hear the voice of the Holy Spirit in his life. Brad shared that while he was at Pikes Peak, “being around all that wonder and splendor was really impactful, it got me out of my routine of just living and existing.

I was able to witness God’s creation

and let him guide me again.” His wife Cymmie noticed the change in him that week. She shared, “You could tell he had done some soul searching and I think that gave him a sense of peace. I could tell something was changing. I wasn’t sure what it was yet but it was noticeable.”

As I reflected on Brad’s testimony, I realized that this change took place in his life because he chose to act by turning to prayer and the study of God’s Word while listening for the voice of God in his life. He experienced a victory in his life because he chose to intentionally pursue a relationship with Christ Jesus, rather than pursuing the lure of the world through control. He has lived out and is a witness to God’s promise in Proverbs 1:5, which says, “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.”

Brad’s testimony makes me proud to be his friend, but one comment stands out as a demonstration of his humbleness. He finished our conversation by saying, “I’m still on the journey.” May God keep him along the way. § Marc Montanye is Pastor of Counseling at Christ Community Church and the Director of CityCare Counseling

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October 26–27

soulcareconference.com

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MINISTRIES, GROUPS, CLASSES & SERVICES GUEST INFO cccomaha.org/new

Contact: Jess / JessicaH@cccomaha.org Looking for info? Stop by the Info Center and pick up a welcome packet. For a complete list of events, ministries, staff, and more, visit cccomaha.org.

CCC / 404 S 108 Ave / Omaha 68154 / info@cccomaha.org / 402.330.3360 cccomaha.tv / Sundays / 9 & 10:45 AM

KIDS MINISTRY

cccomaha.org/kids Contact: Niki / NikiL@cccomaha.org Birth–fifth grade / Sundays / 9 & 10:45 AM

Family Is Primary Parents have the incredible responsibility of impressing a love for God on the hearts of their children (Deuteronomy 6:5–7). These impressions best occur as a natural overflow from parents seeking to love the Lord with their own hearts, souls, and strengths.

Sunday Morning Children join a group of kids their age or grade level. Kids birth–preschool may stay for two services, while students kindergarten–fifth grade attend one service only. This fosters relationships with other kids and allows them to attend worship with parents during the other hour.

cccomaha.org/kids Contact: Niki / NikiL@cccomaha.org Wednesdays / 6:30–8 PM Kids will learn about God through Bible memorization, lessons, games, crafts, and activities. Kids Clubs meet September through April and are funded through annual dues.

AWANA / CUBBIES (Ages 3–4) Cubbies communicates basic truths about God, Jesus, salvation, and the Bible through Scripture memorization, handbook lessons, awards, games, and activities.

AWANA / SPARKS (Grades K–2) Sparks meet in small groups to focus on Scripture memorization. In large group, they experience upbeat music, Bible teaching and instruction, and ageappropriate games.

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS (Grades 3–5) Kids gather in small groups where life-long friendships can begin. A club meeting is divided into three segments: Bible teaching, age-appropriate crafts or team games, and small group time.

Each Bible lesson is accompanied by a Scripture memory verse.

STUDENT MINISTRY

Grades 6–8 / Sundays / 6–8 PM / Atrium Grades 9–12 / Sundays / 6–8 PM / Student Center

Sunday Mornings / 9 & 10:45 AM / Worship Center & Student Center To help students develop deep faith and a greater sense of community, we encourage them to serve and worship alongside Christians of different ages and backgrounds.

Opportunities to serve can be found online at cccomaha.org/hsm.

Events and Retreats Visit cccomaha.org/events to discover the life-changing events, trips, and retreats offered by Student Ministry.

8:08 / COLLEGE cccomaha.org/college

Contact: Glenn / GlennL@cccomaha.org 8:08 is a community of college-age students (18–24) committed to loving God, each other, and the city. Whether you’re walking with Jesus or just have questions about who God is, get connected in the 8:08 College Community.

Thursdays / 8:08 PM / Student Center Instagram / 808CCC Facebook / 8:08 College Community

American Heritage Girls Contact: Karyn / KarynStruck@gmail.com

Middle School: cccomaha.org/msm High School: cccomaha.org/hsm Contact: Elizabeth / ElizabethB@cccomaha.org

A Christian scouting organization for girls K–12th grade. Building women of integrity through service to God, family, community, and country.

Student Ministry exists to help students know Jesus every day and live their lives for him at home, at school, and in the community.

Mondays / 6:30–8 PM

Large Group Gatherings Gather on Sundays for music, teaching, games, discussions, friendship, and good food in the café (year-round).

MENʼS MINISTRY

Increasing Kingdom impact by engaging, equipping, and encouraging men in godly manhood. Men are committed to go all-in through groups, Bible studies, and serving.

Trail Life USA Contact: Chris / ChrisB@cccomaha.org A Christian scouting organization for boys K–12th grade. Scouting, leadership, and adventure.

Mondays / 7–8:30 PM Baby Dedications Contact Niki / NikiL@cccomaha.org Baby Dedications are held quarterly.

For more info or to sign up, contact Niki or visit cccomaha.org/baby.

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KIDS CLUBS

OCTOBER–NOVEMBER / 2018 / ISSUE 8

Grades 6–8 / Sunday Mornings at the Student Center / 10:45 AM Grades 9–12 / Sunday Nights at the Student Center / 6–8 PM

Student Journey Groups Ask honest questions, study Scripture, be invested in by a Christ-following adult, and share life with a small group as you develop deep, lasting friendships.

August–April / Students may join a group any time during the year.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

Contact: Lisa / LisaA@cccomaha.org A network of small to mid-sized groups comprised of 20s and 30s, single and married, and typically no kids.

cccomaha.org/men Contact: Reid / ReidB@cccomaha.org

Council Bluffs Group

Contact: Dave / Music65Man@gmail.com or Steve / sirvin@frontiernet.net

Discuss and study the Bible over coffee.

Tuesdays / 6–7:30 AM / Panera Bread / 3617 Denmark Dr, Council Bluffs, IA

MINISTRIES, GROUPS, CLASSES & SERVICES Journey Men

Contact: Greg / GDVanderVorst@yahoo.com

Helping men connect with other men through discussion-based learning and teaching. Begin the journey at any time.

Tuesdays / 7 PM / E240 Noble Men Contact: Jim / JRNuke@cox.net An ongoing group for men who desire to know and apply God’s Word. The study changes, but not the fellowship and support. Join and be nourished.

Fridays / 6:15–7:30 AM / I-188 Runza Men's Group Contact: Jay / jay@jaybrummels.com Whether you're curious about Christ or have been on the journey for awhile, you're welcome. Discussions and studies taught are around things men face.

Wednesdays / 6–7:30 AM / Runza near 132nd & West Center GUYS Group Contact: Chris / chrisraabe11@yahoo.com GUYS stands for God Understands Your Situation. When connected, men grow as husbands, fathers, and followers of Christ. Bring dinner to eat at 6 PM. Sundays / 6–7:45 PM / C116

WOMENʼS MINISTRY cccomaha.org/women Contact: Mykaila / MykailaN@cccomaha.org

Womenʼs Ministry offers groups, studies, and events to help women develop their relationship with Jesus and others.

Womenʼs Bible Studies cccomaha.org/wbs Contact: Willyne / Willyne@cox.net Connect with other women as we study Ten Women of the Bible by Max Lucado. This new Bible study experience includes worship, fellowship, and connection in small groups. Join any time this fall!

Point of Hope cccomaha.org/poh Contact: Emily / CCCPointOfHope@gmail.com A positive environment for single moms to grow alongside each other.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) cccomaha.org/mops Contact: Annie / ChristCommunityMOPS@gmail.com Connect with a community of women to embrace and encourage one another in the journey of motherhood. For moms of kids ages birth–kindergarten.

DEAF MINISTRY

cccomaha.org/deaf-ministry

Contact: Milton / CCCDeafMinistry@gmail.com

Deaf Ministry exists to help Deaf people understand Jesus so they can accept him as Savior and grow in relationship with him.

Interpreted Service / 10:45 AM Worship Center / Seating at the front of Section 104 Deaf Class / 9 AM / C116 Deaf Men’s Bible Study / Wednesdays 6:30–8:30 PM / The Porch Deaf Women’s Bible Study / Thursdays 6:30–8:30 PM / The Porch Do you need an interpreter or are you interested in learning ASL? Contact Jan / janohls@cox.net

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS International Friendship Group Contact: Mark / MarkCarlson51@gmail.com Building community and discovering Jesus with friends from around the world. This international-focused group includes prayer, Bible discussion, and sharing life.

Sundays / 10:45 AM / D226 English Conversation Class Contact: Dee / CCC.ConversationClass@gmail.com Reaching the international community at UNMC & UNO. Looking for teachers for conversational lessons with one–three students. Classes run September–April.

Wednesdays / 6:30–8 PM / Student Center

JOURNEY GROUPS

To learn more or join a group, visit cccomaha.org/journeygroups.

Meet regularly to study, pray, and grow with others. Belong to a community, be transformed by the gospel, and be on mission for the people in the city.

WHY JOIN A JOURNEY GROUP? Develop friendships with others The smaller group of people gives you the opportunity to form genuine friendships and care for others in times of need.

Grow in your relationship with God The smaller setting allows you to dig deeper into Scripture and ask questions in a discussion-based format. Interact with and learn from others.

Make an impact for the Kingdom Make a difference by serving together in the city or participating in CCC’s partnerships around the world.

HOW DO I JOIN A JOURNEY GROUP? Groups are available on Sunday morning during services or in neighborhoods throughout the week.

Visit the Next Steps booth Meet staff and volunteers who will help you find Journey Groups in your neighborhood.

Sundays / After 9 & 10:45 AM services at the Next Steps booth in the Atrium Visit the Journey Group Locator online Search for groups that meet in your area based on type and meeting time online at cccomaha.org/journeygroups.

MARRIAGE

cccomaha.org/events Contact: Sue / SueB@cccomaha.org Marriage Matters Planning on engagement or marriage in the next year? Learn how to have a healthy marriage. Marriage Matters is a six-week class offered throughout the year.

Wedding Date 2019 June–Aug 2019 Sept–Nov 2020 Jan–May

Class Date 2019 Feb–March 2019 May–June 2018 Sept–Oct

The Art of Marriage Contact: Bill & Teri Meier / wrm890@cox.net A great class for married or engaged couples. Grow from teaching, engaging stories, and projects that Family Life Ministries offers to enrich your marriage.

Attending as a couple is recommended.

Sundays / 9 AM / C217 / October 21– December 9 THE HUB MAGAZINE / CCCOMAHA.ORG

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MINISTRIES, GROUPS, CLASSES & SERVICES BOOMERS & BEYOND

CARE NETWORK cccomaha.org/care

Silver Tsunami Ministry Contact: Paul / 402.938.1574 / PaulG@cccomaha.org

SUNDAY MORNINGS

Everyone has defining moments in their lives—challenging circumstances, relational pain, & transitional seasons. How we respond during these times has a direct impact on our futures & the futures of those around us.

Ministry to the elderly, the infirm, those with dementia, sick, and the dying.

Prepares people for relationship-building through weekly visits, caring, listening, and sharing the gospel. Training happens every fall.

The Care Network at CCC is a multi-disciplinary team of caregivers who are passionate about providing an environment & relationships to help people heal & grow. Developed by pastors, trained counselors, & professional licensed counselors, the Care Network is committed to helping people find healing & wholeness amidst the challenges of life.

Stephen Ministers Contact: Paul / 402.938.1574 / PaulG@cccomaha.org

cccomaha.org/boomers-seniors Contact: Paul / 402.938.1574 / PaulG@cccomaha.org

Dayspring / 7:45 AM / C117 Cross-generational class with challenging teaching, ministry projects, missionary support, and care groups.

Kingdom Builders / 9 AM / C220 Boomers and up join for prayer, fellowship, biblical teaching, and learning the Word together.

Thankful Hearts / 9 AM / I-188 Cross-generational group focusing on Bible study, friendship, life application, and growing in relationship with Jesus.

Ambassadors / 10:30 AM / D127 Caring and praying seniors focus on strong biblical teaching with love for Christ, missionaries, and our nation.

Ecclesia / 10:30 AM / D126 Seniors begin with worship and refreshments, then study Scripture and have time for discussion.

Spiritually Advancing, Linked Together (SALT) / 10:30 AM / C117 Boomers and seniors are welcome for fellowship, prayer, study of God’s Word, and class socials.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES Contact: Sue / 402.938.1570 / SueB@cccomaha.org Senior Lunch & Fellowship at CCC

First Tuesday of the month / 11:30 AM / $6

Seniors Breakfast

Second Tuesday of the month / 8:30 AM / Village Inn at 138th & Maple

Super Adults at CCC Third Tuesday of the month / 9:30 AM / $6 / Coffee over fellowship, a program featuring a guest speaker, and a delicious meal.

Monthly Senior Server Newsletter Features entries, events, stories, and more. Pick up at the Boomers & Beyond desk or contact Sue Beed.

Stamps Ministry Fridays / 8–11 AM / D127 / Come join in the work and fellowship.

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OCTOBER–NOVEMBER / 2018 / ISSUE 8

Professional Counseling citycarecounseling.org Contact: CityCare / 402.916.9421 / info@citycarecounseling.org CityCare Counseling exists to provide effective professional counseling for those who are seeking excellent care with a distinctly Christian perspective.

Pastoral Counseling Contact: Sue / 402.938.1570 / SueB@cccomaha.org Services provided by pastoral staff and pastoral counselors trained to provide biblical advice or spiritual counsel to those in need. Financial counseling is also available.

Healing Prayer Contact: Sue / 402.938.1570 / SueB@cccomaha.org Immanuel Prayer is practical training in deepening your intimacy with God so relational barriers and painful life experiences can be resolved. Formational Prayer creates an environment where people find relief from emotional pain through a personal encounter with God. Caring Partners Contact: Doni / 402.938.1512 / DoniG@cccomaha.org Serves those in need of temporary assistance by distributing designated funds as an expression of God’s love. The Oil Change Ministry and on-site food pantry are also part of Caring Partners.

People trained to provide confidential, one-on-one care to those experiencing difficulty in life such as divorce, job loss, aging, spiritual crisis, chronic or terminal illness, relocation, or separation due to military deployment.

SPIRITUAL FORMATION

cccomaha.org/formation Contact: Wendell / 402.938.1573 / WendellN@cccomaha.org The ongoing transformation of your life through experiential discovery.

Selah Groups Monthly exposure to various spiritual practices such as solitude and silence, formational approaches to the Word, and group spiritual direction in a contemplative prayer group for women that facilitates connection with God. Spiritual Direction A monthly one-on-one meeting to help you notice and savor God’s presence in your life and stimulate ongoing growth; nurturing choices that consistently delight God.

RENEWAL GROUPS cccomaha.org/renewal Contact: Kirk / 402.938.1573 / KirkE@cccomaha.org

Experience renewal in your life by connecting with trained volunteers, professional counselors, and others experiencing similar circumstances. All groups meet at Christ Community Church.

Tuesdays / 6–6:45 PM / Chapel / Worship and prayer service

MINISTRIES, GROUPS, CLASSES & SERVICES Chemical Dependency

Relationships

Addictions Contact: Kirk / KirkE@cccomaha.org

DivorceCare Contact: Mary Lou Rodgers / MaryLRodgers@yahoo.com

Biblically-based curriculum in a nonjudgmental environment.

Tuesdays / 7 PM / F252 Sexual Identity & Brokenness Restoration Contact: Randy Hager / randy@authenticlifecare.com Support and encouragement for those whose loved ones struggle with sexual identity.

First Monday of the month 7 PM / P541 (The Porch) Hope After Betrayal Contact: Nancy Hanson / 308.631.1200 / JBonanny@hotmail.com Support, hope, and healing for women whose marriages or relationships have been shattered.

Tuesdays / 6:30 PM / F260 Men of Integrity findintegrity.com Contact: Kirk / KirkE@cccomaha.org A grace-filled environment to address lust issues and honesty with self, others, and God. Tuesdays / 7 PM / S302 (Student Center) Lighthouse Contact: Connor Dillard / 612.710.9367 connor_dillard@yahoo.com A safe space for followers, seekers, and doubters to approach non-straight sexuality from a Christ-centered, biblical perspective.

Tuesdays / 6:30 PM / E225 Career Omaha Career Networking OmahaCareerNetworking.org Provides support, tips, and tactics to help you with your job search.

Tuesdays / 7 PM / F255

A friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult challenges.

Tuesdays / 7 PM / C117 Hannahʼs Prayer Contact: Diane / dewswim@aol.com A community of married woman who are experiencing primary or secondary infertility who provide support and encouragement.

By appointment only Relationships 101 for Men Contact: Kirk / KirkE@cccomaha.org Learn how to build and maintain healthy, life-giving relationships.

Thursdays / 7 PM / P538 (The Porch) GriefShare Contact: Deb Jones / 402.658.0767 / AsAlwaysDebJones@gmail.com A support group to foster the journey from mourning to joy amid the chaos of the loss of a loved one.

Tuesdays / 6:30 PM / I-188 Friends of Suicide Loss Contact: Cindy / 402.995.3118 / FriendsOfSuicideLoss@outlook.com

Encountering the Prince of Peace Contact: Jenna Drucker / JennaD@cccomaha.org or Stefanny Herdle Zapata / StefannyZ@cccomaha.org A group for young women who are striving to find lasting peace in an anxious world through supporting each other and discovering a true and unique identity in Christ.

Tuesdays / 7–8:30 PM / G160 Physical Wholeness Fresh Hope Contact: Melody Steinhauser / SteinhauserMelody6@gmail.com A safe setting for people with mood disorders, or their family members, who desire to incorporate faith into the recovery process.

Tuesdays / 7 PM / D127 NAMI Support Group Contact: MJ Zaremba / 402.980.1532 Helps families understand and support individuals with mental illness.

Tuesdays / 7 PM / G160-B NAMI Family-to-Family 12-Week Class Contact John and Karen / 402.452.6311 A course for family members of individuals with severe mental illness.

Tuesdays / 6:30 PM / C118

A group for teens, college-age students, and young adults who are recovering from losing a friend or family member to suicide.

Spiritual Formation

Last Thursday of the month 6:30–8 PM / C220 & D226

Men, do you feel like you’re in a battle at home, at work, and in life? If so, you’re invited to explore practical ways to achieve total victory in those areas and experience a new way of looking at what it means to be a Christian in Complete Armor.

Overcomers in Christ Contact: Mary Fear-Eggers / 402.616.4818 / Mary@OvercomersInChrist.org Would you like to experience victory in your daily life? Experience comfort and hope found in Jesus Christ.

The Christian in Complete Armor Contact: Marc Montanye / MarcM@cccomaha.org

Tuesdays / 7 PM

Tuesdays / 7:30 PM / P540 (The Porch)

THE HUB MAGAZINE / CCCOMAHA.ORG

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CCC CALENDAR | OCTOBER–NOVEMBER 2018 Visit cccomaha.org/events for additional information, to register for an event, or to purchase tickets.

*Baby Dedication Class / 10:45 AM / For more info and to register, visit cccomaha.org/baby

*Foundations Class / October 7, 14 & 21 / 12–2 PM / D227 / Childcare & lunch provided / Register at Next Steps in the Atrium or online at cccomaha.org/foundations Storytellers Workshop: A Practical Story-Centered Approach to Sharing Your Faith / October 7– November 11 / 9 & 10:45 AM / For more info and to register, visit cccomaha.org/storytellers A Night of Fellowship & Worship / 6 PM / CCC / Free but with a love offering for Rejuvenating Women / Featuring Rev. Dr. Leroy Adams, Senior Pastor of Morning Star Baptist Church, with the church choirs of Morning Star Baptist Church, Salem Baptist Church, and Christ Community Church **Middle School Dodgeball Tournament / $10 for CCC students and $5 for friends/guests / For more info and to register, visit cccomaha.org/msm

High School Journey Group Team Husker Party / For individual team details, visit cccomaha.org/hsm

*Baby Dedications / 10:15 AM / For more info and to register, visit cccomaha.org/baby

**SoulCare Conference / October 26–27 / $49 / For more info and to register, visit soulcareconference.com

**High School & Middle School Fall Retreats / November 2–4 / Dayton, Iowa / HSM, $135 / MSM, $110 / For more info and to register, visit cccomaha.org/hsm or cccomaha.org/msm

Harris III, Storyteller & Illusionist / CCC / Free event / For more info, visit cccomaha.org/events

**Steven Curtis Chapman concert / Purchase tickets online at cccomaha.org/events

No Kids Clubs due to Thanksgiving

No Student Ministry Journey Groups due to Thanksgiving

*Free event, preregistration required

**Paid/ticketed event, preregistration required