This past year I've spent a good bit of time reflecting on 1 Corinthians 3:5-9. In these verses we are reminded that the growing of the seed of God's people is not up to any individual but God Himself. The rest of us have small parts to play, whether that be planting or watering the seed (or preparing the soil or fertilizing, to expand the metaphor). And, none of us can accomplish anything on our own.
Keep ReadingThe September elder meeting was held September 24. We always begin our meeting with song and prayer, followed by discussion and prayer for pastoral care of our members and regular attenders. Each of our members and regular attenders are placed in a pastoral care group under one of our elders. These groups may undergo change each year. Groupings for this year are complete.
Keep ReadingOn Sunday I made the (hopefully helpful) remark that not all doctrines and matters of theology are equally important. Some particular beliefs are crucial (pun intended) to what it means to be a Christian. Others are not. Understanding this is important, and helps us to maintain the unity the Lord demands of us, while avoiding unnecessary fights and divisions.
Keep ReadingIf you are a member or regular attender of CBC, you should soon receive an email about being placed on one of our elders' "Pastoral Care Rosters." If you are newer you might ask, what is a “Pastoral Care Roster,” and how did I get placed on one? Allow me to explain!
Keep ReadingThere are many aspects of fear and worry and anxiety - too much to cover in one sermon. One aspect we didn't cover in great detail in last Sunday's sermon was the fear of man, and desire for approval of others. This is a pervasive and pernicious fear, certainly affecting all of us at least to some degree. Consider how subtle and tricky this desire for the approval of others is, and how deceptively selfish it can be.
Keep ReadingOne of the reasons I love the study of Scripture and taking time to deeply pore over God's Word is that there is always more to learn and more to ponder. The most familiar passages may feature an angle we had never considered, and very often a new experience in life or new thought might bring fresh application out of an "old" text. Consider Matthew 28:19, a text very familiar to us all.
Keep ReadingOct 1
2026
The September elder meeting was held September 24. We always begin our meeting with song and prayer, followed by discussion and prayer for pastoral care of our members and regular attenders. Each of our members and regular attenders are placed in a pastoral care group under one of our elders. These groups may undergo change each year. Groupings for this year are complete.
Aug 27
2026
After a brief break over the summer, the church planting team is meeting again and considering where the church plant might be located. Please join them in prayer, specifically for discernment on where we are being called to plant.
Jul 23
2026
Our July elder meeting was held July 16. We spent a portion of our time in discussion of pastoral care and related prayer, and the remaining agenda consisted of preparing for the Family Gathering (July 26) and some other miscellaneous items.
Jul 9
2026
Our June elder meeting was held July 1. Josh gave us an update on their mission; we were encouraged and spent time in prayer for their mission. Much of the remaining time was spent formulating a budget for the 26-27 fiscal year.
May 21
2026
The May elder meeting took place on May 19. We discussed and prayed for concerns of our church family. Some are in broken relationship with one another, some are in broken relationship with God, and others are enduring physical suffering. Since our last elder meeting, two families (as well as our whole church family) are mourning the loss of their loved ones from death.
Apr 30
2026
The elders met for our regular monthly meeting on April 23. Administratively, we are starting our budgeting process. This usually takes several months and results in a recommended budget for the August 2026 through July 2027 budget year.
Apr 2
2026
The elders met last Thursday for our regular monthly meeting. A couple of things that we would share with you:
Feb 26
2026
The elders met February 19. One of the first items on our agenda is prayer for our church and the individuals within our church. Many think of these as “joys and concerns.” There are always physical and spiritual needs (“concerns,” though it is a privilege to pray and care for one another and is joyful in a special way). But there are always many things that we would classify as “joys.”
Jan 29
2026
The elders met on January 22. We followed our normal pattern which includes discussion and prayer for the needs of our church family and our church before moving to other matters.
Nov 27
2025
The elders met for our monthly meeting on Tuesday, November 18. Uncharacteristically (and thankfully), this month did not have a lengthy administrative agenda enabling us to spend more time on other things. We continued in our discussion of readings from The Multigenerational Church Crisis by Bryan Chapell.