| Chimes Our Online Newsletter |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| FROM THE PASTOR The Sacramento Bee quoted comedian Jimmy Kimmel (June 26, 2008): “An interesting study was released today. Californians are less convinced there is a God than are people of any state in the country. On an unrelated note, more than 800 wildfires are burning out of control here.” As is the case with most good comedy, we are left wondering if there is not some truth to the joke. Are all these fires in California some kind of judgment from God? Some people may be quick to say “Yes!” They justify themselves by listing any number of things that are wrong in our “godless” society. Then, they point to biblical passages of God’s judgment on people, like the flood during Noah’s time or the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Others are quick to say, “No!” They argue that such disasters are either natural or human-caused, and God has nothing to do with them. They might even add that a loving God would not inflict such suffering on innocent human beings. I think we would be wise to consider this question carefully and prayerfully. We can be too quick to assume God’s punishment, or to dismiss it. There has never been a society or time in history free of all wrong. Yet, God’s punishments in the Bible are only occasional, and many disasters are not attributed to God. On the other hand, one of the clear teachings of the Bible is that God does occasionally step in to save the good and punish the wicked. Jesus himself warned of the fires of hell. Therefore, we cannot automatically conclude that a series of catastrophic fires is or is not God’s judgment. What we can do is pray for, trust God’s presence, and help for ourselves and for others in trying times. Then, we can ask ourselves how we might help those people in need, for in coming to the aid of others we serve God’s purposes and glorify him. Pastor Dennis |
| PRAYER VIGIL FOR THE NORTH DELTA Everybody is invited to join in a prayer vigil for the community and the future of Clarksburg and North Delta Cares on Saturday, July 26th. The church will be open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM for anyone who wants to stop in and pray. There will be a sign-up sheet inside the church entrance to make sure we cover the day with prayer. We hope everyone will participate as we seek God and his guidance and help. |
| Health Updates Just as Tracy Powell was healing from his surgery, Vonnie came down with a surprise bout of pneumonia. Both are on the mend and we send prayers for further healing. Vivian Harding reports that she is recovering from surgery and subsequent illness. She sends her grateful praise and prayers for all who supported and prayed for her during this very trying time. |
| Our Kids Congratulations to Carolyn Montzingo, daughter of Dennis and Margie, on her graduation from St. Mary's College in Moraga, CA with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Business Administration degree! Carolyn will begin working as an Accountant for Deloitte and Touche in San Francisco beginning in September. Recent High School graduates from Clarksburg: Stewart Parkhurst from Delta Ian Powell from Delta Will Updegraff from New Tech Charter School Andy Webber from Delta (Both Will and Andy are successful applicants for scholarships from the church!). Kevin Cooper, son of his proud mother Carol Cooper (daughter of Bill and Darleen Isaacson) is earning his Eagle Scout Rank Award on July 20 in San Jose. He currently attends CSU Chico and is pursuing a Computer Science degree. His brother Scott is following in his brothers footsteps and is enthusiastically working on his Eagle Scout Rank. Robin Murphy proudly reports that daughter Michi is getting married! Although she now lives in Fortuna, she grew up here and still has many friends here. Christopher Davis & Michi Murphy July 13, 2009 Fortuna, Ca. |
| Dear Clarksburg Community Church, I cannot begin to describe the experience I had at Sky Mountain Christian Camp. This trip helped me build my spiritual strength, allowing me to get closer to God. Everyday we worshiped and played fun games. I met and hung out with the Adam Cappa Band! Something that changed me was seeing 15 people come to Christ. I felt happier than I have ever felt, and it gave me a motive to start witnessing. In addition, I was with people who have lived some hard lives, making me glad for everything I have. More amazing was that these same people changed so much by the end of the week! They were nicer, friendlier, and with Christ. No, it was not luck. It was God. So thanks Clarksburg Community Church. I am glad that God was able to work through you. Sincerely, Casey Groat |