Connection 314-469-3255 www.chesterfieldcommunity.org February 6, 2019

Notes from Pastor Jeff

One of my tasks each Sunday is to count the number

of people we have in the worship services. As great as it is to see you on Sunday mornings, let me encourage you to not let that be your only contact with the body of Christ each week. The benefits of being a part of a small group so been discussed before, so I know this is not new. This week I read a blog post that lists 7 benefits of being a part of Small Groups:

1. In a Small Group you are noticed.

Although most churches try to ensure that every member feels valued, this isn’t always possible when people interact once a week. Small groups make you part of a tighter community of friends – who will notice immediately if you aren’t around or aren’t acting like yourself. When you’re part of a small group, people know your name, care about you, and are willing and able to support you when it’s needed most.

2. Small Groups give you an extended family.

Some of us live hundreds of miles from our families. Others have no families at all. Being part of a small group that meets weekly to eat, talk, and fellowship gives you the same loyalty and support that you would receive from family. And family is priceless.

3. Small Groups allow you to search and ask questions.

No one has all of the answers to questions about God, Christianity, and our spiritual journey. While church services are focused on teaching and training, a small group gives you the ability to ask these hard questions in a safe environment – and seek the answers together. Being involved in a Small Group is one of the best ways to grow your spiritual life. You can discuss challenges, praises, and questions with other earnest seekers and Jesus followers.

4. Small Groups give advice and support.

Small groups don’t only help with spiritual questions, they can also provide support on a plethora of life matters. Ask for prayer regarding your career, relationships, and other life decisions. When we seek out the knowledge and wisdom of others before making a difficult life choice, the final outcome is almost always better.

5. Small Groups improve your communication skills and critical thinking abilities.

One of the best ways to expand your own decision making and analytical abilities is to critically evaluate and discuss challenging concepts – such as the ideas of Salvation, Heaven, the Trinity, and the Second Coming. Not only can these discussions give you a better understanding of God and his love, they can also improve your ability to think about other difficult ideas at work or school.

6. Small Groups help improve your attitude.

When you have people that pray for you every week (or maybe even every day), text you periodically, and truly care about your life, it’s hard not to walk around with a smile on your face.

Simply put, you can not experience all that the church has to offer you in your journey of faith with Jesus if you are only here for one hour a week. I know you’re busy, we’re all busy. I know it can be challenging to jump into something new, we’ve all been there, you will survive, we want to help you jump in.

Good news, you don’t have to be a Bible expert or an extrovert to benefit from and contribute to one of our small groups. Let me encourage you to check out a few Small Groups, pray and ask God where you should plug in and then jump in. I guarantee you will not be disappointed that you did.

Remember, our small groups exist to help you study the Bible, develop authentic relationships, minister to one another and be ministered to, and to engage others in the journey of faith with Jesus.

For more information about our Small Groups visit http://chesterfieldcommunity.org/small-groups/ or contact me and I would love to help you get connected.

Because of Jesus,Pastor Jeff

Annual CCC Ladies RetreatWhen: April 5-7

Where: Washington, Missouri - Best Western Plus

Cost: $150 based on double occupancy. Inquire for rates of 1, 3 or 4 to a room.

Theme: It’s Not Supposed to be This Way Finding unexpected strength when disappointments

leave you shattered - by Lysa Terkeurst

$50 deposits due Sunday, February 24 Balance due Sunday, March 24.

If you have any questions, special considerations or need more information, please contact either

Crystal Martin at (314) 488-9073 or Vassie Haynes (314) 422-2909

Not Attending FLAME? Please Note...

Sunday, February 17 CCC will have

only one worship service starting at 10:45 am.

Do You Know Your Deacon?

Did you know that everyone at CCC has a deacon who prays for them, and connects with them on a personal level.

If you are a member or regular attender at CCC and you have not been assigned a deacon to support

you and/or your family, please contact the CCC office at 314-469-3255 or via email at ccch01@sbcglobal.net or

Clayton Fenter at 314-578-1687 or via email at cbfjr@charter.net.

Did you know CCC has a Prayer Chain and Share Chain email list?

Prayer Chain - Small groups have their own way of sharing prayer requests. If there is a need that you would like the church to pray for, please contact the CCC Prayer Chain.

Share Chain - This is simply a means to connect physical needs of the church body with available resources. A “physical need” could be a thing (like a tool or other sort of equipment), a service (like babysitting, tree trimming, pet care, etc.), or information (such as the name of a good doctor or mechanic). Many people in the congregation may have resources, including information or experiences that they are willing to share that would help meet an expressed need. To help facilitate the connection of needs to resources, the CCC Share Chain was born!

If you would like to be added to one or both lists, please contact Steve and Julie Sanders at

sandersgonewild@gmail.com, or the CCC office at ccch01@sbcglobal.net.

Ladies Facebook Page

Ladies, are you on facebook and attend CCC regularly? Consider joining our Women’s Ministry Facebook Group page. This page is “private”. Here you will find encouragement and updates on events happening within our Women’s Ministry. Once we get your request, allow us a day or two to get

you added. https://www.facebook.com/groups/cccgals/

If you have any questions, please speak with Cyndi Steward or Lisa DeBerry or e-mail at cccgals@gmail.com

PULSE: Walk/Run

Julie Sanders will meet any one who want to walk at Chesterfield Mall on Thursday mornings at 9.

Please text Julie at 314 922-7420 if they want to join her, so she will know who to wait for. When you text, please tell her who you are.

Julie will meet you at the Mall Entrance between VStock and the old Sears. Savvy Formalwear is the only thing near that entrance. You will have the choice of how far to walk.

PULSE: Bike Tune Up

This Sunday from 1-4 pm @ Trailhead Bicycles355 Ozark Trail Dr. Ellisville, MO 63011

This will be for bike evaluation and suggested maintenance. We will be able to do minor adjustments/fixes at no charge.

If you are interested in learning more about cycling, or are an avid cyclist and are looking for a group to ride with, reach out to Bill Fondell, and he will give you further details!

bfondell@charter.net or 314-520-6795

Pulse: The NEW CCC Health MinistryThe purpose is to cultivate an

environment of health in mind, body and spirit. We recognize God gave each of us

a mission field and we need to be ready to do, go and be all He is calling us to.

Our Mission Partnering with Families • Learning God’s Word • Growing with Christ

Come join our team!God is at work in and through our leaders as they

minister to our kids. It is exciting and we welcome you to join us. As we are growing and with our future growth, It’s Time to

add new team members. There are many ways to serve including Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings with various ages of

development. Teaching and advanced preparation is not required of all volunteers. Service can be weekly, biweekly, or monthly.

If you are interested in serving or want more info please contact Carol Aguilar at: carolccc@sbcglobal.net or 314-469-3255.

Please Note...

The CCC Office will be closed on Monday, Feb. 18th in observance of President’s Day.

The office will reopen on Tuesday at 8:30 am.

PULSE: Fitness Class Opportunity

Monday nights from 5:30 - 6:30 pm in the CCC Youth Room.

Modifications are available for all levels.

Led by Rochelle Boyer - 314-348-6741