Issuu

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth,

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

And in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

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THE APOSTLES’ CREED: • OUR PAST & PRESENT• hroughout the history of Christianity, the daunting task of knowing how to speak the language of faith has always stood before its adherents. Spirituality tends to be this way. It often lacks clarity and is resistant to formulaic concoctions. This is why theology matters so much: It exists to discover the words that match what stirs within us. This is what the Apostles’ Creed set out to do. Before the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great came to power in AD 312— bringing with him a new privileged position in Roman society for the Church—the followers of Christ lived in the margins, where the right words were hard to find. Because of Christians’ shadowy existence, theological disputes were frequent and false teachings were common. Much of what the apostles preached had become diluted and difficult to stand upon. Christians needed a written creed to clarify the truth claims of the Church and bring unity to a fractured group. At some point in the first or second century, the earliest rendition of the Apostles’ Creed came to life, easing the anxiety of theological ambiguity and confronting the rise of false teachers. While the written statement evolved— influenced by the Nicene Creed in AD 325—the Apostles’ Creed gave the people of Christ a means of echoing

the ancients. They remembered that the God of Genesis is the Abba of Jesus Christ, who came to us in the womb of a virgin named Mary, and was crucified on the cross but raised again to life. Nearly 1,800 years have passed since the Apostles’ Creed came to be, but every weekend millions of people repeat its words.

Theology matters so much: It exists to discover the words that match what stirs within us. This is what the Apostles’ Creed set out to do. But while it’s easy to romanticize the relics of our faith that have survived for us today, it’s imperative that we don’t do so blindly. At The Table, faithfulness does not mean a reflexive endorsement of tradition for the sake of tradition alone; too many injustices and misplaced priorities have been perpetuated under its guise for that to be true. Instead we ask: Do these pieces of our tradition aid in our formation? Do they help us look more like love? The Table sings the Doxology every Sunday night and repeats the Apostles’ Creed every baptism because we emphatically believe that they do. Before any other word is spoken or

program is advocated for, we praise God from whom all blessings flow to remind ourselves that our blessings do not flow from us. In a world that is quick to inflate our egos and keep our eyes and hands craving whatever comes next, the Doxology slows our pace and reminds us that we are the dust of the earth who become the beneficiaries of the Breath. And as we repeat the Apostles’ Creed during every baptism, we affirm what we believe, remembering that we did not start the Story but are only joining along, partaking in what has been preserved for us by the ones who have come before. The Doxology and the Apostles’ Creed offer the modern world the gift of memory. They call us to remember that we are not autonomous beings, disconnected from the greater Story of God’s Kingdom. They help us see the generations on whose shoulders we stand. They help us hear from the ones who encountered Jesus and chose to follow Him at all cost. With them, we praise God from whom all blessings flow as we wait and hope and wonder with all of the creatures here below.

Matt Moberg serves as Director of The Table. His favorite Church tradition is celebrating the Lord’s Supper. CPC LIFE | MAY 2015

III

LEAD WHERE YOU ARE.

The Global Leadership Summit comes to CPC August 6-7 Pastors, teachers, parents, executives, volunteers—we are all leaders. Individually, we can spark positive change in lives, homes, workplaces. Together, a culture of Christian leadership can change an entire church or community. Be inspired by world-class faculty such as: Bill Hybels • Dr. Brené Brown Jim Collins • Craig Groeschel

He is risen! Easter at CPC.

The CPC Chancel Choir celebrates Christ’s resurrection.

Kids choirs present The Race musical in weekend worship.

Sharing Easter joy during our Easter Children’s Sermon!

Class of 2015 seniors are celebrated at HSM’s Spring Bash!

CPC LIFE | MAY 2015

I N O U R FA M I LY

CONGRATULATIONS TO:

Dinah Marie Bunn and John Dejong, who were married on April 11. The Rev. Don Genereux officiated.

SYMPATHY TO:

Lynn Widmoyer and family on the passing of her mother, Beverly Butter, on March 26. Barbara Peterson Burwell and family on the passing of her husband, Rodney Burwell, on March 29. Bob Seeger on the passing of his father, Ralph Seeger, on April 9. The family of Dorothy DeMott Byron, who passed away on April 11. Julie Parke on the passing of her mother, Harriet Parke, on April 16, and her aunt, Ruth Bennett, on April 17. Mary Jo Carlson on the passing of her husband, Lawrence F. (Larry) Carlson, on April 19.

Will TenBroek on the passing of his mother, Margaret TenBroek, on April 20. The family and friends of Marilyn Ruth Anderson, who passed away on April 26.

RECENTLY HOSPITALIZED:

John Horton Samuel Beltz Norma Jean Barr

as Elementary School Associate. She became the director in June 2013. Kari becomes the Children and Family Pastor at Bethlehem Covenant Church in Minneapolis. We are thankful for her years of dedicated service to the children and parents of CPC!

FINANCIAL UPDATE JUNE 1, 2014 – MARCH 31, 2015

STAFF TRANSITIONS

CPC Missions Pastor, Paul Tshihamba, will be on sabbatical leave from May 15 through August 15 to focus on further developing his curriculum, Pursuit: An Invitation to Explore Your Missional Calling. Kari Dubord leaves her position as Director of Kids’ Ministries at the end of May. Kari served from 19992000 as Associate for Preschool Ministries and returned in 2007

Ministry Offering Budget: $4,246,713.71 Actual Offering: $4,061,854.53 Variance: (184,859.18) March Mission Focus (A Hope for Hunger): $15,291.27 YTD Mission Focus Total: $302,502.71

Expenses are under budget year-to-date.

Now flip the magazine over to read about the Creed as our faith’s future! VI

MAY 2015 | CPC LIFE

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WORLD VISION HALF MARATHON

Race Day: August 1 In Africa they say, “Water is life.” CPC is sponsoring a team to raise money for clean water in Moyo, Zambia. Sponsor a CPC runner or run yourself! Contact: Jennifer King at 952.334.4497; jenniferannking@ gmail.com.

UPCOMING GO! TRIPS

Trip dates subject to change; cpconline.org/go_trips Nicaragua (with Habitat for Humanity): June 13-21 Nicaragua (with Opportunity International): June 21-25 Duluth, MN (with Youthworks): July 30-August 2 Lusaka, Zambia (with Jubilee Centre and the Global Leadership Summit): November 3-14 Moyo, Zambia (with World Vision and CPC-sponsored children): November 7-16 Israel/Palestine (with Telos): December 12-19 Beni, Congo (with Congo Initiative and the Christian Bilingual University of Congo): January 2016

Learn more and register at cpconline.org/ kidscamps. VBS: June 9-11 OR June 16-18 (must be 3 by June 1, 2015 through entering kindergarten) | $35 The Edge: June 9-11 (5th-8th grades) $80 Big Fun Kix: June 22-25 (entering 1st4th grades) | $55 half, $100/full day Surge: July 13-16 (entering 5th & 6th grades) | $150

Saturday 5:15PM; Sunday 9:30AM, 11:00AM, & 5:00PM services During weekend services, we minister to children through 6th grade and families by engaging kids in their relationship with Jesus. Register: cpconline.org/register. Contact: Tammy Mitchell at x216; tammym@cpconline. org. Summer programming begins May 23/24. Watch for more details!

Summit - New Location (Westcliffe, CO): July 18-24 (10th-12th grades) | $685

COLLEGE

CHICAGO SERVE

MOSAIC WORSHIP SERVICE

Thursday-Monday, June 4-7 College and post-college folks, take a road trip with The Table and College Ministry! We’ll stay at Hostelling International across the street from Millenium Park, serve at AMAZING places, go night kayaking, eat some amazing pizza, and explore the Windy City! Cost: $275. Register: cpconline.org/ register. Contact: Van Chounlamountry at x306; vanc@cpconline.org.

SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION

Wednesdays, June 10-July 29 at various locations Spend Wednesday evenings catching up with friends, listening to a speaker about real-life issues, and debriefing in small groups. Visit cpconline.org/ college. Contact: Carrie Gleeson at x258; carrieg@cpconline.org.

STUDENTS Sunday, May 17 at 12:30PM in the Sanctuary Mosaic is a worship service for kids and students with special needs and their families. Noises, sounds, and movements are welcome! Followed by a light lunch. Contact: Kari Dubord at x261; karid@cpconline.org. Learn more and register at cpconline.org/ studentcamps.

ELEVATE

The Edge (at CPC): June 9-11 (5th-8th grades) | $80 Frontier (Rapid City, SD): June 21-26 (7th-8th grades) | $415

KIDS WEEKEND PROGRAMS

2015 SUMMER CAMPS

COMMITMENT CLASS

Quest (Crane Lake, MN): July 6-10 (9th grade) | $475 612 Experience (Minneapolis): June 22-26 (9th-12th grades) | $150

HSM

CHILLIN’ & GRILLIN’

FAMILY YOUTHWORKS FAMILY MISSION TRIP

July 30-August 2 in Duluth, MN Learn, work, worship, play, explore, and create as a family! Designed for kids in 3rd through 8th grades, but all ages welcome. Cost: $129/ family member (children 3 and under are free). Includes room and board and service activities; transportation not included. Contact: Tammy Mitchell at x216; tammym@cpconline.org.

612 Experience (Minneapolis): June 22-26 (9th-12th grades) | $150

MAY 2015

You’ve read about the Apostles’ Creed as our faith’s future. Now flip the magazine over to read about the Creed as our faith’s foundation!

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CPC Ministry Programming MAY 2015

At CPC, we seek to inspire all generations to follow Jesus, love others, and live missionally. Please look through the various programs for kids, students, and adults—and join us! For fuller descriptions and more information on any of these programs, please visit cpconline.org.

GENERAL CPC PLANTING TIME

Saturday, May 16 at 9:00AM All are invited to join the CPC Garden Group as we begin the “Summer of Blooms” in and around the church campus. This is a wonderful opportunity to plant beauty for all to enjoy and to meet this great group of volunteers! Contact: Norma Jean Barr at 952.831.2642. In case of inclement weather, we meet May 23.

MID-MONTH CHAPEL SERVICE

Wednesday, May 20 at 12:00PM A traditional service with a short message by Dee McIntosh, hymns, Communion, and prayers. Lunch follows.

ADULT STUDIES BRO’ TIME BIBLE STUDY

Mondays, June 1-August 31 from 7:309:00PM in the Fireside Room Looking for a men’s Bible study? Never been in a Bible study before but want to try? Are you a Bible study veteran and want to stay engaged this summer? Gather with men from area churches for fellowship, to study Daniel, and to be encouraged to grow. Register: cpconline.org/register.

PHILIPPIANS: JESUS OUR JOY

Tuesdays, June 9-August 11 from 6:308:00PM in the Fireside Room It’s easy to be happy when things go well. But what would it be like to have joy even in times of trouble? In his letter to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul teaches us how to live joyfully in every situation. Janice Velgersdyk leads this study for men and women. Book cost: $7.50. Register: cpconline.org/register.

MAY 2015 | CPC LIFE

TWELVE EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN

Thursdays, June 18-August 13 from 10:00-11:30AM in the Parlor This study provides a personal look into the lives of some of the Bible’s most faithful women. Learn how God shaped them and what He wants to do with you. Dawn Allan leads this study for women. Cost: $8 (materials available first day). Register: cpconline.org/register.

CPC BOOK CLUB

Thursday, May 21 at 7:00PM in the Parlor; meets 3rd Thursdays We discuss The Girls of Atomic City by Denise Kiernan. Contact: Nancy Reutiman at 952.920.1837.

SUNDAY COMMUNITIES

Sundays at 9:30AM & 10:45AM Sunday Communities offer a place to belong and a place to grow with people in a similar life stage. Contact: Dan Anderson at x298; danderson@cpconline.org. MIXED TAPES (20s & 30s) - “Gleanings from the Apostle Paul” with Randy Andersen (9:30AM) S.A.L.T. (40s & 50s) - “People Who Changed the World: God’s New Family in the Book of Acts” with Dan Anderson (9:30AM) A.C.T.S. (First-Wave Baby Boomers) “Pursuit” (see page 5 for more info) with the Missions Team (9:30AM) MORE (Active Retired) - “Transforming Initiatives in the Sermon on the Mount” with Steve Carlson (10:45AM) CREDO (Intergenerational) - “Christian Calling” with Jon Keller (10:45AM)

SMALL GROUPS Wherever you are in your spiritual journey, being in relationship is essential to your transformation. Register: cpconline.org/register. Contact: Deb Carlson at x316; debc@cpconline.org.

MEN THURSDAY MORNING GROUP

Thursdays from 7:00-8:00AM in Room 108 James Madsen leads in studying Titus.

THURSDAY MORNING GROUP

Thursdays from 7:00-8:00AM in Room 201 Matt Faulkner leads in studying Galatians.

ADULT MIXED 60S & UP

Sundays at 6:30PM; meets twice monthly Join this group as we dig into God’s Word together.

WOMEN NEEDLEWORK GUILD

Saturday, May 9 from 10:00AM-2:00PM in the Fellowship Hall; meets 2nd Saturdays Our mission is to make warm garments and blankets for local agencies that serve the needy. We have yarn, fabric, and knitters to get you started. Contact: Sally Stoutenburgh at 952.927.6915.

MOM’S MORNING

Large Group Wednesday, May 13 from 9:3011:30AM in the Fellowship Hall Join us for the Spring Brunch featuring Louise Griffith speaking on “You Are Worth It!” Register: Tara Wagner at taramwagner@gmail.com.

MOMS OF TEENS CDs

If you missed a Moms of Teens speaker or would like a copy to pass on to a friend, CDs are available in Pathway Books for $3. Topics include teens and finances, media and technology, faith and the college transition, and helping kids have a healthy body image.

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CIRCLES

Circles combine fellowship, learning, and service in a small group setting. They consist primarily of women over 60; new members always welcome. Martha Circle Wednesday, May 20 at 10:00AM at Eden Avenue Grill Contact: Pat Haberkorn at 952.941.4188. Lydia Circle Saturday, May 16 at 9:30AM We meet for brunch. Location TBD. Contact: Ellen Hastings at 952.896.0066. Ruth Circle Meets every Wednesday at 9:30AM On the first and third week, we meet for food, fellowship, devotions, and prayers. On the other Wednesdays, we serve. Contact: Barb Bucha at 952.470.4414.

50+ EDYNAMOES

Wednesday, May 27 at 11:30AM in the Fellowship Hall Enjoy time together with friends for a luncheon and program entitled “Vanishing Landmarks in MN,” presented by renowned photographer and speaker Doug Ohman. Register: Judy Romine at 952.929.4983. Cost: $5. Please bring Jerry’s cash receipts, Campbell’s soup labels, and can tabs.

CARE LGBTQ FAMILY MEMBER SUPPORT GROUP

A new group is forming for parents and family members of someone who is LGBTQ. Discuss together how to best love and support our loved one and each other. Contact: Rachel Garton at 612.803.6735; rgarton1@msn.com.

ABUNDANTLY SATISFIED: WEIGHT CARE GROUP

Sunday, May 17 from 9:30-10:30AM in Room 203; usually meets 1st & 3rd Sundays We support each other with weight issues that keep us from experiencing the abundant life God wants for us. No weigh-ins; lots of grace and support! Contact: Sandy Radeke at 952.452.1205; sandy_radeke@earthlink.net.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

Friday, May 8 from 10:00AM-12:00PM in the Parlor & Saturday, May 23 from 10:00AM-12:00PM at Pat Johnson’s home Our mission is to prayerfully knit or crochet shawls with the hope of being vessels for God’s presence and comfort. No knitting experience needed. Coaching and materials can be provided. Contact: Pat Johnson at 952.947.0734.

GRIEF RECOVERY

Tuesdays, May 12 from 6:00-8:30PM & June 9 from 7:00-8:30PM in the Parlor; meets 2nd Tuesdays Grief Recovery is for those who have lost a loved one. We experience God’s hope and healing through fellowship and prayer. A light meal will be served at the May gathering but just dessert at the June meeting. Matt Moberg, Director of The Table at CPC, speaks in May. No reservation needed. Contact: Debbie Manning at x275; debbiem@ cpconline.org.

BEGINNING AGAIN

Saturday, May 16 from 9:00-11:00AM in the Fireside Room; meets 3rd Saturday of the month Beginning Again is CPC’s support, resource, and friendship group for those dealing with the practical issues that follow the death of a spouse. Join us for our Third Saturday Touch Base Breakfast. Cost: $10 (pay at the door). Register: Deb Carlson x316; debc@ cpconline.org.

GRACE & HOPE FOR OUR CHILDREN

Tuesday, May 19 from 7:00-8:30PM in the Parlor; meets 3rd Tuesdays Does your child experience emotional or mental health issues? You are not alone. Join other parents, friends, and caregivers as we care for one another on our journeys. Meetings include support, fellowship, and occasional guest speakers. Contact: Doug Brown at 612.839.9992; dbrown@ dcbrowninc.com.

LIFE TOGETHER: SINGLE-PARENT FAMILY MINISTRY

Thursday, May 21 from 6:00-8:00PM in the Fireside Room; meets 3rd Thursday of the month Life Together is a new community for single parents and their children. We meet to share a family meal, then the

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adults break off to hear a speaker on topics that encourage single parents. This month learn some simple action steps to help manage your finances. Childcare and programming for infants through 12 years. Register: cpconline. org/register. Contact: Sarah Norton at x208; sarahn@cpconline.org.

LIVING IN THE TENSION: DVD STUDY

Sundays, June 7-July 19 from 6:157:45PM in the Fireside Room Living in the Tension is a place for Christians of all kinds to reach across dividing lines and build bridges. This is a place for everyone committed to living as a peacemaker in their own context. We will work through Love Is An Orientation DVD book study. Book and dinner provided. Contact: Debbie Manning at debbiem@cpconline.org.

MISSIONS MEN’S CLEARWATER FOREST CAMP WORK TRIP

Thursday-Saturday, May 14-16 at Clearwater Forest in Brainerd Join CPC men at the 17th annual work retreat. We’ll get the camp ready for summer with a variety of building and maintenance work. The camp provides meals and housing. Register: Ted Youel at 612.743.8928; clearwaterretreat@ gmail.com.

URBAN HOMEWORKS WORKDAY

Saturday, May 16 from 8:30AM-3:00PM Work alongside other CPCers aged 16 and over to rehab a home in North Minneapolis. All skill levels welcome. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant to get to know each other better. Contact: Cooper Butler at 404.808.4781; cooper.butler@gmail. com. Register: cpconline.org/register.

CPC MISSIONS TEACH AT A.C.T.S. SUNDAY MORNING COMMUNITY

Sundays through May 17 at 9:30AM in the Fellowship Hall-Center Join this Sunday Community in learning about Pursuit, a class that seeks to address the question of missional calling through discipleship, compassion, justice, and reconciliation. Curriculum developed and taught by Missions staff. CPC LIFE | MAY 2015

CREEDS IN A (POST) MODERN WORLD

ne of the reasons I love my job is the variety, not knowing what will come next. Yesterday it was a morning reflecting on how faithful followers of Jesus in Syria can confront ISIS; in the afternoon, someone on my plane asked how I could possibly believe in one way to God among all the religions of the world; and when I got home I saw that I was supposed to write briefly on why a nearly 1,800-year-old paragraph is still part of the life of the Church. Why have the Apostles’ Creed at all, if we have Google? “I believe in God the Father Almighty . . .”—and you’re off, reciting along with everyone else, mumbling the parts you’re afraid you’ve forgotten or don’t understand. The Apostles’ Creed is the first of many in the Church’s history, a summary of the faith of the original followers of Jesus. Is it more than a relic? Our Presbyterian heritage gathers documents scattered through the ages: the Nicene Creed, the Athanasian Creed, the Westminster and Heidelberg Confessions . . . a collection of nearly two dozen, incorporated into what we call the Book of Confessions (clever, huh?). What use are they, anyway? I’m not a creed fanatic, but that may be because they were forced down my throat in catechism rather than explained. But they’ve grown on me, so let me give you three reasons why creeds matter both in your faith and our church today.

CPC Life is a monthly publication of Christ Presbyterian Church (CPC). Complimentary copies available monthly at CPC or at cpconline.org/cpclife. Mail Subscriptions: Suggested annual donation of $20. Please write Editor, CPC Life, Christ Presbyterian Church, 6901 Normandale Road, Edina, MN 55435.

First, creeds clarify what’s important to us. Methodists differ from Baptists, who find Catholics odd, who’re bewildered by Presbyterians, who . . . you get the idea! Creeds summarize what’s essential to hold us together. In one way, everybody already has a creed, since it’s Latin for I believe. The question is whether you’ve spelled it out or not. For the Church, a written confession allows for scrutiny and the ability to judge if its teaching is consistent with Scripture. A creed, by going public, helps us be consistent. Second, creeds connect us to the Church universal, affirming that we have the same faith as those first followers of Jesus, rather than making something up. Theologian and church historian Carl Trueman teaches that the spirit of our age ignores history, distrusts institutions, values emotions more than words, and hankers after novelty. For moderns, the loftiest goal is to be authentic, to speak spontaneously from the heart, giving voice to unique insights from our own points of view. Yet as a result, anti-creedal evangelicalism is, ironically, “not countercultural, but culturally enslaved.” The Apostle Paul warns against having a faith shaped by opinion or culture or popularity: “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear” (2 Timothy 4:3). Many of the Church’s creeds were written as correctives to the popular heresy of their day: the Nicene

Creed settled disputes about the deity of Jesus, the Athanasian Creed insisted on a Trinity that defines our faith, and so on. Third, we “confess” the creeds together to offer each other Hope when confused. Theologian Richard Mouw recalls how he was forced to learn the ancient Heidelberg Catechism as a child, but that as an adult he found it offered a clear Hope, for himself and others. I like it so much I’ve memorized the first question myself: “What is your only comfort in life and in death? That I belong—body and soul, in life and in death—not to myself but to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ, who at the cost of His own blood has fully paid for all my sins and has completely freed me from the dominion of the devil; that He protects me so well that without the will of my Father in heaven not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, that everything must fit His purpose for my salvation. Therefore, by His Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for Him.” Now there are ancient, living words to connect us, to define us, and to offer eternal Hope to all we meet!

John Crosby serves as Senior Pastor. His favorite Church tradition is serving communion with his wife, Laura, because they know so many of the life stories of those they serve.

Email Subscriptions: To receive a link to the monthly online version, contact communications@cpconline.org.

Director of Communications: Sarah Long

We welcome your letters and comments! Please email communications@cpconline.org.

Art Direction & Design: Matt Schubbe

Editor: Jennifer Boardman

Editorial Assistants: Maggie Keller, Claire Sweem

hen I think of the word enduring, some images come to mind. The majesty of God’s creation in the Grand Canyon. My grandparents’ love over sixty-five years of marriage. The faith of the Apostle Paul, who persevered under persecution and still inspires us today. But much of what bombards us today is not enduring. Technology and social media have expanded our world from small and relatively quiet to large and noisy. The conversations people once had among a small group of friends about values and what’s important has been expanded to include a whole world of voices. We have more. More information, more access, more opinions, more connection. More Kim and Kanye, more Congo and conflict. There are pay-offs but also pitfalls. What DOESN’T come to mind when I hear “enduring” is much of social media. Think Snapchat—a picture or video that disappears after ten seconds!

Most important, how do we hear the still small voice of Jesus amidst all the noise? The week before Easter I did a soul experiment and turned it all off— Facebook, radio, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest. And I discovered I was more present to God and others, more sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit without all the distraction. It was kind of like switching from a ’60s blackand-white photo to HD TV. I felt more aware of the pixels of life with Jesus. And most of all, what had been a megaphone of fleeting worldly voices was muffled. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” So, like we depend on guardrails to keep our car on the road while navigating sharp turns, I’ve been thinking about three guardrails that may protect us from the danger of the fleeting and keep us on track with the enduring values of our God.

So as we contemplate ancient yet still relevant relics like the Apostles’ Creed, we might ask, “Am I spending time on what is fleeting, or am I investing my life in what endures?”

1. Intention Prayerfully declare your intention with the Lord to hear His voice above all others. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God who gives generously to all.” So ask for discernment in a world of fleeting voices and commit to enduring, godly values.

What do we pay attention to? How many of the ideas and values we’re exposed to daily are godly and eternal?

2. Attention Pay attention during the day and as you access social media, ask:

• Is this a tool I am using in a way that will enable me to love God and others better? • Or is this an idol tempting me to live out of my false self, the self that is dependent on titles and likes and comparison and promotion to be validated? 3. Boundaries As you pay attention, note if there are people or places on social media that draw you away from Jesus instead of toward Him. Block them. Note how much time you are filling your mind with links and likes and how much time you’re spending filling your mind with eternal truth from God’s word. Consider setting time boundaries and fasting from social media certain hours of the day or days of the week. Whether it’s a creed or comment on social media, we need to evaluate everything by the one thing that we are assured will endure: “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” – Isaiah 40:8

Laura Crosby blogs at lauracrosby.me. Her favorite Church tradition is when the whole body of Christ gathers on Sunday mornings.

CPC LIFE | MAY 2015

MAY 2015

Enduring: Why the Creeds Still Matter

Altar frontal from La Seu d'Urgell or of The Apostles

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and siÂ‚eth on the right hand of God