Ministry Update (Jan-March): Hello 2023!

Hello everyone! Happy 2023. Jeff and Chrissy hope that this update finds you all well. There has been so much that has happened over the last few months that it has been somewhat of a blur. But here are some highlights for you all!

CHRISSY AND MSCs

After piloting the Missional Serving Communities last fall, Chrissy (with some help from the Lead Pastor, Mike) launched them church-wide this January. It has been really exciting to see a majority of the existing small groups in the church adopt the MSC model for this season. This first "year" of MSCs is broken down into 3 six-week units, each focused on a different topic. In January/February our first unit was focused on homelessness and we got to partner with two different organizations. In addition to continuing our partnership with Loaves and Fishes in Sacramento, we were also excited to find an organization here in Rocklin called Compassion Planet. Compassion Planet serves young people who are aging out of the foster care system and who are often at a high risk of becoming homeless. Compassion Planet empowers and equips these young people with the skills and support they need to become independent and thriving adults.

In February/March our second unit focused on justice and refugees and we partnered with World Relief in Sacramento. In addition to a combined service day where several of our small groups (about 40-60 people) served in the the World Relief warehouse, about a dozen people from our church also had the unique opportunity to welcome a group of refugees at the airport. As it turns out, the arriving refugees already have several relatives in the Sacramento area and it was such a special experience to witness these families coming together to celebrate and embrace their travel-worn loved ones.

Although we are only two-thirds of the way through our first "year" of Missional Serving Communities, it has been incredible to see so many people in the church engaging in the material, willing to learn and grow and be challenged. From praying for God to guide their experience to seeing and learning about homelessness and justice and refugees to serving with different organizations in Rocklin and Sacramento, the participants are being transformed by this journey.

Please continue to pray for Chrissy and for the Missional Serving Communities as we move into our third unit focused on creation. Pray that people would continue to have open hearts and minds as we journey together and seek to discover how God might be calling us to love and serve the community around us.

JEFF AND YOUTH MINISTRY

Youth Ministry has been going really well this semester. Jeff preached on mentorship earlier this month, and one of the things that he emphasized was the idea that we are all called to mentor others. In response to that sermon, two people from the congregation approached him and said they'd be interested in helping out in youth group. This is a huge answer to prayer!

One of the things that Jeff is trying to navigate this semester is that sports and extracurricular activities have come back from their pandemic hiatus. This means that youth group is (once again) competing with sports, theater and other clubs. One bright spot is that even when students have sports, they are trying to get to youth group. There is one senior who plays softball (and has signed to a D-III school), and is incredibly busy, but makes it a point to come to youth group as much as possible. It is encouraging to see that students are doing all they can to make it.

Last semester, the entire focus was on prayer. This semester, the youth group is focusing on Worship - what it is, how we do it and what happens when our worship is misdirected. There has already been some great discussions, and students are eager to learn more about what it means to worship.

Jeff is really enjoying the group of students that are coming and is looking forward to the rest of the semester.

JUNIA UPDATE

Junia turned ONE! Can you believe we now have a one year old?!? It seems like it happened overnight. Jeff and Chrissy are so grateful for this past year. As hard as it has been adjusting to parenthood, we have enjoyed every single day as parents. Junia is not only crawling and climbing and getting into everything she can, but she is on the verge of walking. She's happy, healthy and keeping mom and dad on their toes every single day.

FINANCIAL UPDATE

We want to mention again how much we appreciate the financial support over the last year. There are some significant financial things coming up for us in the next few months. The biggest (and scariest) is that we are looking to buy a home! We are so convinced that God has called us to this place not only to serve, but to put down roots. That call means looking to stay long term.

Our support has been stable over the last year, but we are hoping and praying that it would increase. Whether that is through existing or new partnerships, we are hopeful that God will continue to provide for the three of us.

Please keep us in your prayers that our support would increase and that the home-buying process would be as smooth as possible.

PRAYER REQUESTS

• PRAISE - We were so grateful for the opportunity to attend our denomination's Midwinter Conference in Jacksonville, Florida at the end of January. It was our first trip with Junia and we are so glad that Papa (Jeff's dad) came along too! In addition to safe travels we are grateful to God that we experienced rest, renewal, encouragement, and connection with colleagues while at Midwinter.

• Please pray for Chrissy as she seeks to "(re)balance" life and ministry. After a lot of discernment, Chrissy has determined a need to reduce her hours in order to best care for Junia and to focus more directly on Missional Serving Communities. In June she will be officially stepping out of the Children's Ministry part of role. This was a very difficult decision for Chrissy. Please pray for clarity as to next steps (for her and for Community Covenant Church) and for God's peace and provision as we move forward.

First flight(s) with Junia!

Junia's first birthday party!

Jeff serving at World Relief