Check It Out!

Make sure you check out our new page “LInks We Love“. You’ll find a listing of some of the organizations that The Women of C3 are proud to support.

Let us know if there are others that you would like to see listed.

Thanks for reading.

Love Wins!

 

Guest Post: Heather

Just thinking about how much work goes into each Sunday makes me want to send out a big thank-you, as a mom and a volunteer, to the entire Children’s Ministry Team! Verna is such a gifted Children’s Director, we are so fortunate to have her. What an answer to prayer that she felt called to accept this position at C3!

I had some questions initially about how all the details of ‘the move’ were going to fall into place for our ‘littlest members’ and their families. I have to say, with only a few weeks under our belt, I found myself walking out the door of the ‘Playhouse Theatre’ last Sunday, commenting, “Wow, I can’t believe it, but this Sunday was even smoother and better than last week; I can’t believe it! I have left church every week since our move to the theatres thinking things we’re better than the week before.”

Verna and her team have been in and out of the theatres evaluating and fine-tuning every little detail. Is it crazy to say that the childrens environment is cleaner and safer and more effective now than in our old facilities? Really…it is…! The baby nursury is so spectacular it almost makes me want to have another baby just so we can benefit from all the efforts put into the baby room! (not literally, please don’t start calling my husband )

The kids that come to Playhouse each week have adapted better than I ever could have imagined. Our lead puppet “Maria” headed over to the theatre before Christmas and video-taped a message there for all the kids. She explained to them about our move, where we’d be meeting, and saying that she would be waiting at the theatre for them. WOW~who thinks to do that ahead of time? Thanks Verna…! The kids came in pumped up to see Maria in our new environment, and ready for whatever was in store for them. If you have a child involved in the playhouse ministry, ask them to perform one of our songs for you. You will be amazed how they sing and dance their little hearts out praising God!

It takes a special someone to devote their time and energy to ministering to the children at C3. It actually takes quite a few ’special someones’ and to you all, (you know who you are-from the set-up/break down crew, to the teachers and youth assistants, to the check-in stations, to the behind the scenes folks, the performers in playhouse, and powerhouse, and everyone else in between), thanks for giving of yourself to help teach my children, and keep them safe, while I am being challenged in the worship service each week. You are a blessing to my family, and many, many other families each week. Please know that children’s lives are being impacted in the most important way possible thanks to your efforts and hard work!

Heather

 

Gracefully Brave

I’ve learned a lot about trying to be brave over the past couple of years.

It seems like it’s communicated early on to girls that they/we were not meant to be brave - like we’re just not cut out for certain attributes like bravery and courage.

But, I’m learning that God absolutely did create us for these things - it just might not be as easily recognizable in women. I know this for a variety of reasons:

• We are created in the image of God.
• God says to all believers in His Word, “Be strong and courageous!”
• We are made for love - the strongest/greatest attribute that there is - in fact, in Ephesians 5 when scripture speaks to husbands and commands them to “love your wives”, this same passage doesn’t say the same to women - it’s a “given”: women are made to love.
• In the fight for love we are compelled to protect, to endure, to nurture - these are not passive activities. It’s natural for us to have to become brave and be courageous in order to undertake these tasks.
• Because we are less likely to be looked at as brave, and conditioned to think we can’t - it takes more strength and courage to stand up and be brave.
• Being brave and courageous when you are standing for something virtuous is where we find our voice - our freedom. It is where we find the freedom that comes from being who God created us to be.
• If it’s all about love (I Cor. 13), then we make the best warriors of all!

So, don’t believe the lie that you were not made to be strong, courageous and brave. It is in embracing these that we find our voice - our true calling. Put on your armor (Eph. 6), it is our birthright to fight - as long as we are fighting for love…

…and (you know)…

LOVE WINS!

 

Peaceful Warriors

This week has been a blur…

I keep thinking, “Can I keep this pace up indefinitely?” - I definitely feel a lot older than I did last year. We’ve spent a ton of time discussing how our first weekend at the theater went and what needs to be done before we do it all over again this Sunday. We’ve also been working on “C3 Day at Moss Park” - which is tentatively scheduled for the last Sunday in March.

It’s been crazy busy, but I’ve enjoyed so much reading other women’s blogs that have motivated and inspired me to keep on working…

Here are a few highlights:

Amanda wrote: “…Pastor Byron’s sermon was about investing in others. I was challenged to see others as Jesus sees them…something I’m not always good at. The verse that stood out to me was Acts 2:42…

‘They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.’

The part that really stuck with me was the part that says, “they devoted themselves”. It is MY responsibility to take action in my faith…no one else’s. There is not a friend, a family member, or even a pastor (gasp!) that can MAKE me be devoted. I want to make 2008 the year that I take more action than ever before in the area of investing in others, particularly others who don’t know Christ.

I feel so privileged to be a part of a church that loves God and loves others more than anything else. I am thankful to God for allowing me to be a part of this amazing group of people we call C3 church.”

Cassie wrote: “I am so proud to be a part of a church [C3 Church] that embodies “The New Humanity.” A church that is committed to meeting both the spiritual and physical needs of others - because to ignore either is to be anti-human and thus anti-God. A church that recognizes we are all image bearers and embraces the similarities in all of us instead of letting the differences divide us. A church that values the Pastor as much as the Prostitute and the Marine as much as the Iraqi. A church that doesn’t discriminate on who is welcome to worship with us and guards against those who try to ruin and discourage “The New Humanity” attitude among us.

Graceful Barbarians. The New Humanity.“

Alison wrote: “Some of you reading this may not know what C3 is…let me tell you! It’s a church filled with authentic people who’s passion is to connect the community with Christ (that’s what C3 stands for in case you didn’t catch that!)

This church has been criticized, the staff has been criticized…they have been through so much, yet they have remained strong and always stood up for what they believe! They have already reached so many for Christ and continue to do so! Their passion is contagious!! I want to be a part of this movement, John wants to be a part of it, and we want our children to be a part of it! We are ready to serve, we are ready to love, we are ready to put the past behind us and move forward! I can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store for us at C3! Of course there will be more criticism to come…but NOBODY can steal this joy away!”For right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.”

~1 Corinthians 13:13 (MSG)

Andrea wrote: “Powerhouse was so flippin’ cool! Kids just screaming like maniacs in sheer joy and excitement to be in church… singing and dancing as they praised the Lord. I sat through the whole 10:30 hour of P.H. after I sang and I was so blessed by their eager spirits to answer questions on their lesson. I sat back as I listened to them learn about respecting and obeying authority. The bible story was the one of Jesus speaking with the Pharisees about giving to Caesar what belongs to him and giving God His offerings as well. They ate it up. They were soaking in God’s word in a fun, relevant and uplifting manner. The teachers, actors, dancers and volunteers in there are being used in an unbelievable way… an eternal way.

I have so many thoughts running through my head. I can’t even begin to scratch the surface. This journey is just getting started. This ain’t no cute little leisurely hike either… God is taking C3 full throttle! Buckle up people… from the looks of today you all seem ready for this thrill ride!”

Leigh Ann wrote: “I was nervous about my first Sunday at C3 in the theaters……but the minute I hit the parking lot, I knew we were home. I was reassured again when I walked in the door. Even though I do not like my C3 kids color shirt, it was so cool to see almost everyone with some sort of a C3 volunteer shirt on. No one would be able to mistake a member!

I was greeted with smiles, hugs , and handshakes. Well maybe not to many hugs….every since my hug blog. It is alright, HUG me.

Power House was amazing. The sound was great. I am amazed by Kayleigh every Sunday. She is a natural. I wish I had her talent. I would be a blubbering fool up there. My talent is being sarcastic!!

Worship was next. I was blown away! I think that is the only way I can describe it.

The best part was seeing old friends back. Knowing they were home again too! I don’t think the theater is going to hold us for too long, but I know God is already working on our next move!!”

Monica wrote: “

All I can see when I look around C3 are true barbarians. People who are willing to go to whatever lengths to reconnect humanity to Christ. It might be as simple as a smile or handshake, or it could be waking up at the crack of dawn (or earlier) and setting up all that we need for church…no matter what it is C3 is full of people willing to do it. It’s amazing and something that can only be done with God and the people who love Him. I am so grateful to serve alongside true barbarians for Christ. I hope we all continue to love and encourage one another along with everyone who walks through those theater doors. I know I have already blogged about Sunday but I can’t stop thinking about how awesome it was. I remember looking around Powerhouse and seeing so many new volunteers. People who just stepped up to make a difference and to impact children’s lives. It was overwhelming to say the least…I am so incredibly grateful.

Love truly does win!”

It does.

Thanks for the encouragement, insight and inspiration to keep working. And thanks to all of you who read, pray, work, and fight…for love. Thanks for being peaceful warriors in the battle…

…because, love does win in the end.

 

Happy, Happy New Year!

Graceful Barbarians:

I wish you a wonderful and peaceful new year. I wish you grace, love, peace and joy - and all the blessings God has for you to enjoy.

I thank you for your selflessness, your sacrifice, your endurance, and your faithfulness.

I thank you for your encouragement, your friendship, and your support.

Most of all, I thank you for your love - your love for God, for others, for the church…

…your barbaric love of, for and about grace!

I thank you and wish you an awesome 2008!

It’s just gonna get “gooder and gooder”.

Because…Love Wins!

Love, Angie

 

Guest Post: Heather

I asked Heather to share some of her thoughts about her personal C3 journey, and how God has worked in her life over the past year. Here is her story:

“When we moved to Orlando, we were looking for a church that was not only in line with what we believe doctrinally, but had certain aspects of familiarity, and an environment conducive to building some strong friendships. Little did we know that we were joining a church that was headed on a journey unlike any other we had experienced with a church before.

The Lord has used C3 to challenge what I had inherently believed for the many, many years I have been saved. Through C3’s transition I have been made to feel uncomfortable many times; ‘What do you mean no Sunday School? Is that biblical?’ ‘No Awana’s? Now, I know that the Lord talks about Awana’s in the Bible somewhere.’ Seriously though…

I am embarrassed to admit that I expected certain things for my own comfort & enjoyment, not because they were grounded on biblical principles. It was powerful as I prayed through each of the changes that I found making me uncomfortable and I could feel the discomfort being lifted, and a refreshing excitement taking its place. WOW~now with the way things are being done I actually think my neighbor or my unsaved family members will be willing to come with me. I can actually be a part of the Great Commission the way God expects me to be.

Bringing my family to church, and serving in the children’s ministry, is no longer done merely out of conviction, but because I am excited to be involved in the work the Lord is doing at our church. I see people from all different backgrounds coming to learn and worship in one place, and that is exciting, & refreshing for me. The growth potential for our church in the Waterford area is exciting. I am super excited for the non-believers in that area that are about to be welcomed in ‘Just as they are‘ to a church that they will find relevant and exiting. I am excited for my kids who are part of a captivating, growing children’s ministry that has already partnered alongside Jason and me in teaching them about Jesus, and His love for them. I am excited for the other churches, who are watching C3 change what it means to ‘love God & love others‘ & will courageously make changes in their own congregations in order to reach even more for His kingdom.

I didn’t even want to move to Orlando, but He purposefully choreographed all the necessary details to get us here to partake in the journey of C3 Church. I look forward to the ways He will continue to challenge and grow my walk with Him as I get to meet new people and get more involved with the ministry of our church.

Anyway~I’m so wordy, Jason will be thrilled I’ve used all my words for the day. I’m glad I put down part of what church means for us, so at least you can be encouraged that the journey, is not JUST for the non-believers but He is using it to grow and bless even the ‘old-school’ baptists! Thank you for enduring all the the things you had to sacrifice and put up with along the way.

One more Sunday, and the journey REALLY begins…”
Heather

Thanks, Heather, for reminding us that change, although difficult, always facilitates growth. I know that your positive outlook and enthusiasm will inspire others to remember to “love God and love others”. You’re a true barbarian…and so C3!

Love Wins Again!

 

Guest Post: Monica

Monica is a relatively new believer - a fully devoted Christ follower (”graceful barbarian!”), and she has written a few words about her journey:

I didn’t “grow up” in church…but I remember the way it felt when I walked into church doors for the very first time. I remember feeling judged- like everyone was staring and like they knew I didn’t know Christ.

I felt like they could see all my imperfections as they looked at me. No one should take offense to this…the way I felt had nothing to do with anyone specifically and was probably just a product of my paranoia, but I do think about what could have been done to prevent or take away my feelings.

I think about the way C3 does church and how I wouldn’t have felt that way had I walked into this place. A place that has taught me so much…it might sounds cliché but I truly didn’t ever know church could be like this! I never knew that church could be a place where you could be yourself. I am so grateful for the way C3 does church- they do it for the person I used to be. They do it for people like almost my entire family. I have blogged before about them and how they don’t know Christ. I hope and pray that the first time they walk into a church it’s a place as welcoming as C3. I hope it’s a place that will accept them for who they are and let them be real!

All that to say: What really excites me about the future of C3 is how many lives will be changed! How many sons, daughters, moms, and dads will be grateful that their family members came to C3 and were accepted for who they are? How many people will invite someone to church who says, “Okay I’ll give it one more shot.”? And C3 is ready for them. C3 is a place that knows that every Sunday counts…we know that every Sunday there is that one life that is giving it one more shot. God has already done amazing things through C3 and I know He will continue as we as a church follow His vision. I know He will bless as we continue to fight for love!!

So I can’t wait…I can’t predict the future, but God is God and when you pursue His plans He will bless and He will change lives!

Thanks for sharing your unique perspective with us, Monica - and for reminding us what it’s all about: the people! God loves them so much, and so should we. It’s the heartbeat of God…and so C3. So are you, girl!

We will continue to “fight for love”…

…love wins!

 

Think on These Things…

There’s such a temptation during this busy holiday season to concentrate on…the busyness - the frantic nature of all that comes with these days.

For us, at C3, we also have the added dimension of “the move”. This can be a time of reflection…even to the point of a paralyzing sort of distraction.

There are thoughts like: “This is the last time I’ll ever do/experience (fill in the blank) in this building.”, “I’ll never use that office again.” Etc., etc….you get the idea.

Especially, now during the holidays when reminiscing is expected and encouraged by everything around us.

Sometimes it’s just hard to not spend too much time looking back - to the point where it becomes difficult to move forward. The Word has this to say about what we should spend our time focusing on:

Philippians 4:7-9 (The Message)

6-7Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

8-9Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.

The temptation is to say, “Well, my memories are beautiful, so I should concentrate on them, right?” Of course, it’s always great to hold in your heart the memories that are dear, but if holding on leads to a stumbling block of the inability to let go - then, our memories can become a distraction to all that God has for us.

For me, the bottom line is that everything “true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious, and praise worthy” that has happened over the years in our current church buildings, goes too - all that is worth taking is going with us. Everything else is better left behind…

So, as we reminisce, we can know that our best days are before us. God wants us to appreciate all the beauty and loveliness that is around us - all the miraculous things that He does every day. We might miss it, though, if we spend too much time looking behind us…

It does a disservice to this incredible journey to spend a lot of time staring in the rear-view mirror. Instead, lets enjoy the view that stretches out before us. It’s going to be awesome -

Thanks for sharing it with me.

Love wins.