Brothers and Sisters,
It’s been an exciting weekend with our worship gathering on Sunday and Members Meeting that evening. I am so encouraged and grateful to God for the ways that I see us pouring into and loving this church body that has been purchased with the precious blood of Christ!
Sermon Recap
Last Sunday we began a new sermon series, “The 4 G’s: Four Liberating Truths about God.” From Isaiah 40 we saw the first liberating truth: “God is great, so we don’t have to be in control” (see Tim Chester’s You Can Change).
In the first eleven verses, Isaiah prophesies that God is coming in his glory to care for his flock like a shepherd, and to restore his people. But is he really capable of doing this? Verses 12-31 answer with a resounding “yes!” This God holds oceans in the hollow of his hand (v. 12a). He measures off the heavens from his pinky to his thumb (v. 12b). Whole nations are as a drop of water in a bucket (v. 15), and his breath carries away the rulers of the world like stubble (v. 24). This God is great.
So, church, why do we worry and fret—we who have seen the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy in Christ, the Great Shepherd of the flock? Take some time to think of an area of life that causes you anxiety. What would truly believing that God is great do to your anxiety?
Members Meeting Recap
Last Sunday night was an excellent time of hearing from and interacting as leaders and members. In case you missed it, here’s a brief summary of what we talked about:
1.) Missionary update. Patrick and Becky (former COM residents) shared about their experience serving in East Asia. They will be with us for 2 months, so reach out to them to hear more!
2.) New College Director. Under Erik Naylor’s leadership, COM Collegiate Ministries continue to grow. Beginning June 1st, Erik will serve as Executive Director of Collegiate Ministries. This new position will give comprehensive leadership to both the college and international ministries and missionaries. This change is possible because the Lord has wonderfully provided Maddie Pinto to begin serving as COM’s Director of College Ministry. Maddie brings great spiritual maturity and obvious fruitfulness in collegiate work. The eventual goal is to have both a Director of College Ministry and a Director of LATN, with Erik providing leadership to both of these roles. Pray for both the directors and missionaries as they raise financial and prayer support from across the United States.
3.) Pastoral Proximity. The transition team is still considering options on how best to bring Chuck and his family in close proximity to COM, that he might better shepherd God’s flock. If you have ideas of how to partner in this effort, please talk to a member of the Transition Team.
4.) Elders Update. There are several men considering eldership candidacy. Pastor Chuck is hopeful that a team of at least three elders will be established before the end of the year! Once the discovery process is complete, prospective elders will be brought to the members for your prayerful consideration.
5.) Family Ministries. There will be lots of exciting opportunities this summer, including family worship nights and VBS! Deacon Megan Roberts shared the family ministries team’s goal of equipping parents to better disciple their children.
6.) New Gospel Communities. Two new GC’s will be starting soon, one led by Morgan and Carla Roberts, and the other co-led by Brian and Brittney Jacobson and Spencer and Megan Roberts. To get plugged into one of these communities, send us a message here.
7.) Two Gatherings (but one body!). In response to the growth God has given COM, we will begin holding two gatherings on August 6th at 9:30am and 11:15am. The aim is that even more people be reached with the gospel of Jesus Christ. To see Pastor Chuck’s full statement on the important transition, please go here. A special Q&A will be held this Sunday after the worship gathering.
“But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the Lord!” (Ps. 40:16).
Your brother in Christ,
Phil Hoshiwara
