CCOG Newsletter

This week we finish the reminder of the mission of our church, which is SOULS (Salvation, Ongoing Development, Uplifting Conversation, Love Never Fails, & Serve in Love). We are also reminded of how to live this out through the vision of Acts 1:8. "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 NLT). To CCOG, each place represents a group of people. Jerusalem - closest family and friends, the people who are most like us. Judea - co-workers, acquaintances, those with whom we share common interests. Samaria - underserved groups, the people who (if we are really honest) we would rather not be around. The ends of the earth - strangers near and far.

This past week, I witnessed examples of the last "S" - Serve in Love. People had been asked to come out this past Wednesday to help get the church ready for Homecoming. It was toasty warm outside and there were plenty of deep cleaning jobs inside. I had counted up in my mind the people I thought would be there, but my expectations were exceeded! So many of you showed up to serve our church family, the guests for homecoming, and by extension, the Lord! For those who cooked, baked, prepared, cleaned up, served, ministered, and welcomed people throughout the day on Homecoming, those are examples of serving in love. No matter how big or small you consider your contribution to be, it matters - to CCOG and to the Lord.

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16 NIV

In the beginning, God planted a Garden.

In that Garden, called Eden, God created humans and placed them in the midst of trees, animals, and rivers. He settled them and remained with them. If we allow our imagination to wander, we can picture their peace and the calm atmosphere that comes with resting and trusting the Creator to provide. We can imagine a beautiful world of abundance, goodness, and belonging. But what made Eden truly remarkable wasn’t just the beauty of creation; it was the closeness between God and His creation.

Genesis tells us that God walked in the garden. (Genesis 3:8)

Before sin fractured the world, humans lived in regular communion with their Creator. God’s presence didn’t feel distant, and garden distractions didn’t pull the residents of Eden away from their constant connection with Him. God’s presence was woven into the rhythm of everyday life.

Until a serpent made them doubt and question if God had their best interests at heart.

Often, overwhelm in our lives comes when we believe everything depends on us—our decisions, our strength, and our ability to keep everything together. We listen to the lie that it’s all up to us and turn from the promises of our Father that He knows best and has the strength to hold it together for us.

Communion with God is acknowledging that He is with you at all times. It’s being aware that His Spirit is always available and that He desires to walk with you. Communion is the place where your burdens become lighter because you remember you are not walking through life alone. Communion with God is not just a necessity. It is the foundational building block for our source of joy and peace.

When life feels overwhelming, and anxiety threatens to take over your life, the most important step isn’t trying harder or organizing better. It is returning to the presence of the One who made you.

Begin there. Turn off notifications, pause, steady your breathing, and turn your attention toward God. Imagine walking beside your Creator, listening to His love spoken over you, and leaning into His comfort to soothe your weary soul.

The same God who walked in the garden then still invites you to walk with Him today.