September 2024 Newsletter
September is a month of beginnings. It is the start of the Fall season as the weather turns to cooler nights. It is the launch of a new school year with many children entering new classrooms. And, it is the kick off of new seasons of sports – hockey, football, and basketball. New beginnings can be exciting, with new opportunities awaiting. They can also be scary, with so many unknowns. Times like these can bring worry and doubt into one’s mind and heart. We can be swept away by the ‘what ifs’ and find ourselves in a place of instability. The good news is, that can change. We can refocus on what is good and true. And, we can lift our eyes and fix them on God, who has promised to be with us through all the stages of life.
Roger C. Moyer spoke about ‘beginnings’ in an article originally published in September 2012. His words still ring true today:
Beginnings
Buried in the flow of continuousness
A thousand beginnings lie.
Few are seen for what they are
Too quickly they pass by.
Beginnings and endings occupy the same space. If you have an eye for detail, you might notice them in the flow of your everyday activities: simple things like jotting down a needed item on a grocery list; picking up a book to read; calling a friend; starting a new school year. Each requires a decision to stop one activity and begin another.
Noticing such detail can be useful, for noticing draws the attention to your ability to make decisions. And if you observe carefully, you will notice that some of the decisions you make are very difficult ones, but you make them nonetheless demonstrating the fact that you can. We are all more powerful than our moments of weakness suggest. God has equipped us with the capacity to choose, to decide, and to act, and noticing what we are capable of in the areas of our strengths can serve to draw our attention to possibilities in other areas. Noticing can break the stranglehold of “I can’t.”
Now I know that there are circumstances in which there simply are no viable options. If you are pinned against the wall by a violent spouse, there may not be much you can do, at the moment, except pray and avoid doing anything to make the situation worse. Even that decision, however can be effective – an actual means of survival for some. But there are other matters more common to us all that, also, demand consideration: the decision to forgive a grievance, to seek help for a destructive habit, to end a relational standoff, to stop allowing the memory of a past, violated trust ruin your life; the decision to take your place of responsibility in the home, or to affirm the effort of a child who failed to make the grade. Each such decision redirects, slightly, a life course. It represents an ending (putting off the old nature) and a beginning (putting on the new) and demonstrates, in living colour, what it means to live as a follower of Christ – the Lord of new beginnings.
If you are experiencing intense emotion around the start of anything new in your life, CCO is here to assist. Our therapists are ready with tools you can use to navigate the times and bring peace back to your heart and mind. Contact us today to start the journey of finding joy in the beginnings.
by Kerri Guther, Business Director
Fun on the links for our Inaugural Golf Tournament
Due to the remnants of a Tropical storm, our tournament was postponed a week to August 16. This did not deter those who had signed up to join us, nor did the intense heat of the day. 28 participants (split into 7 teams) hopped on their golf carts and headed to Manderley on the Green’s north course for 9 holes of ‘best ball’ golf. Along the way were a few competitions, including farthest drive and closest chip. A light supper of hamburger, fries and a drink was enjoyed before the closing ceremonies where prizes were given out to the deserving winners. Thank you to all who participated, our volunteers and guests for making this a fun event. Stay tuned for next August when we will do it all again!
A Fantastic Evening at the Charity Benefit Concert with Triumphant Quartet and Collingsworth Family
Over 970 ticket holders and over 30 volunteers packed the Met Church on Saturday, September 14 for a concert featuring The Triumphant Quartet and the Collingsworth Family. The afternoon started at 3:45PM with an Artist Circle meet and greet. At 6:00PM Mission Hill (a local quartet) kicked off the concert. The Triumphant Quartet took the stage for almost an hour singing powerful songs and giving personal testimony to the goodness of God. Following intermission, the Collingsworth Family sang songs from their latest album of Classical Hymns. The children of the singers performed one song with their grandmother, Kim Collingsworth, accompanying them on the piano. It was a wonderful concert with opportunities for the audience to sing along. The costs were underwritten by generous donors so the entire proceeds from ticket sales and donations were split between four featured charities: CHRI Radio, Jericho Road, One Way Ministries and CCO. Each charity is set to receive over $11,700. Thank you to all who gave, to the musicians and tech team, to the volunteers and ticket holders. This event was a blessing to all who attended, and will have huge ripple effects upon the ministries and those we serve.
COMING SOON
CCO is launching a new Youth Mental Health program
We are excited to be preparing brand new curriculum on different topics which will assist youth ages 13-18 with their mental health. Stay tuned for our official launch date and be sure to invite our team to speak to your church or community youth group.
Gather your family and friends and join in the fun at our Family Feud Night
November 16, 2024 at Cedarview Alliance Church
Teams have up to six people or come and be put in a team. All tables will be participating at the same time seated in their group with a few spontaneous head to head matches on the stage. Tickets for sale here. $25/person. Have a full table of six? Then use the promo code NEWSLETTER and receive a discount. Space is limited so sign up today. (Snack and drink included in the price of ticket.)
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1024949079287?aff=oddtdtcreator
Code for Table Ticket Discount: NEWSLETTER
Save $15 for a full table purchase, good until October 14, 2024
Do you have time and energy that you want to give to help our ministry?
We are looking for Board Members, Prayer Partners, and more!
Check out our Volunteer Opportunities HERE
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