True friendship reflects the heart of God—it strengthens us, builds our faith, and bears eternal fruit. In John 11–12, we see how Jesus’ friendship brought comfort in crisis, deepened belief, and led to powerful moments of worship. Friends don’t just share laughter—they walk with us through sorrow and conviction. They pull up a seat at the table, speak truth in love, and draw us closer to Jesus. As Mary poured out her worship, it wasn’t just an act of love—it was the fruit of friendship with the Savior. Thank God for friends who point us to Him.
Our identity isn't defined by where we've been or what we've done—it’s shaped by the grace of Christ. In Luke 7, a woman with a shattered reputation pours out worship at Jesus’ feet. Her past was public, but her faith was personal. Others saw her sin; Jesus saw her soul. While some scoffed, He forgave. Redemption sees no status—only surrender. And in that surrender, we find refuge. Romans 8 declares that nothing can separate us from God’s love. In Christ, we’re not just survivors of our circumstances—we're more than conquerors, positioned in grace and purposed for glory.
The early church grew because ordinary people embraced an extraordinary calling—to serve. In Acts 6, we see that true servants prioritize both physical needs and spiritual mission. They step in where others step back, not to gain recognition, but to reflect their Master. Like Jesus, they reject worldly ambition and embrace humble, hands-on ministry. Servants don't just fill roles—they fuel revival. By equipping others and expanding the Kingdom, they show that the heart of leadership is servanthood. When we find our identity in serving, we step into the very heartbeat of Christ’s mission.
King Uzziah’s story is both inspiring and sobering. He began with faith, depending on God, and saw fruit in his building and leadership. His strength and fame grew, setting him apart as God blessed his efforts. But success soon turned dangerous. Pride replaced dependence, and what once was his strength became his downfall. He overstepped God’s boundaries, and shame followed his achievements. The lesson is clear: success without humility leads to ruin. True identity and security come not from what we build or gain, but from staying surrendered to the One who gives it all.
Our culture often celebrates image over integrity, but God sees deeper. Jesus warned of focusing on the outside while neglecting the heart—looking clean on the surface, yet empty within (Matt. 23). Saul looked the part of a king, but lacked the heart. David, overlooked and underestimated, was chosen because of what God saw inside. True identity isn’t about appearance, status, or polish—it’s about authenticity, humility, and a heart after God. The world may see the shell, but God treasures the soul. Don’t chase the image—let God shape the heart.
This Sunday will be a very special day in the life of our church. We will be celebrating the ordination of Barry Key, who has been called by God to the gospel ministry.
We invite you to come and hear Barry share his personal testimony and join together as we affirm and celebrate God’s work in his life. What a joy it is to witness God raising up one of our very own to serve Him in this way!
Labels are found all throughout culture today. In John 8, a woman caught in sin is dragged before Jesus—not to be healed, but humiliated and labeled. Her name was lost in shame, and she was labeled by her failure. But Jesus met her pain in His grace. In Jesus You are not your past, you are not your sin, and you are not social labels. In Jesus, your identity is rewritten.
Psalm 84 paints a beautiful picture of the church—not as a building of brick and stone, but as a place where souls find rest, strength, and joy. We long for the church because it's the Body of Christ and a space for deep communion with God. In the church, we stand strong together, rooted in faith and durable in trials. And in seasons of struggle, it becomes our refuge—a place where valleys shape us, and God's presence shields us. Being the church means surrendering to serve, standing in unity, and seeking God with all our heart.
In a world full of labels, God’s Word gives us the clearest answer to the question, Who am I? Genesis reminds us: we are God-created—not random, but intentionally made and lovingly crafted. We are God-like, created in His image to reflect His character and live in relationship with Him and others. And we are God-known—not just part of a plan, but central to His purpose. You are seen, valued, and made for something more. Your identity isn’t found in what you do—it’s found in who made you.
Self-control is the gatekeeper of a Spirit-filled life. Proverbs warns that a person without it is like a city without walls—vulnerable and exposed. But God doesn’t leave us defenseless. Titus reminds us that grace not only pardons our past, it empowers our present. Through grace, we learn to say no to destructive desires and yes to a life that reflects Christ. Self-control isn’t about willpower alone—it’s about Spirit-led living that guards the heart and guides the path. And in the end, it leads us to the ultimate prize: life with Him.
Can you believe it? CCW is turning 13! We’ve seen God do amazing and miraculous things over the years, and this anniversary is going to be a sweet time of family celebration!
This Sunday, come ready to:
Lift your voice with our choir as they bring special music that will stir hearts.
Be encouraged by the powerful testimonies of CCW formation
Celebrate together over a delicious lunch right after service (because no church party is complete without the gospel bird).
It is not just a service—it’s a celebration of God’s faithfulness and a reminder of the story He's writing while letting us be apart!
Romans 15 reminds us that following Christ isn’t passive—it’s a call to action. We’re called to steer those weaker in faith with grace and cheer for unity in the body. We’re called to reach boldly, preach with purpose, and share the hope of the gospel. And we’re called to kneel in prayer, partnering with others and appealing to God for His provision and power. The Christian life is more than belief—it’s a mission to live out God’s call wherever He places us.
Gentleness isn’t weakness—it’s strength under control. Scripture describes it as a meek standing and a mild spirit, modeled perfectly by Jesus and Moses. Gentleness leans into soft speech and strong synergy with others, choosing patience over pride, and compassion over combat. As Paul tells Timothy, this fruit is key to restoring others and growing in spiritual maturity. Gentleness leads to soundness in faith and plants seeds that bring lasting change. In a harsh world, Spirit-filled gentleness stands out—quietly powerful, deeply Christlike, and always redemptive.
Faithfulness. Unfailing consistent practice of loyalty regardless of extenuating circumstances. But there are always circumstances, right? Very legitimate things come up. Unexpected events, new opportunities, situations beyond your control. Does consistent loyalty even exist anymore? Has it ever?
While man has a broken faithfulness at best, the good news is we serve a perfectly faithful God! Because of His faithfulness, we have this fruit of the Spirit. And, if we focus on the faithfulness of the Lord, we can foster the growth of this fruit within us; even in a world where faithfulness is hard to find.
The story of David and Mephibosheth beautifully illustrates goodness and kindness in action. Mephibosheth, broken and in a low place, was sought out by David—who lifted him up, welcomed him, and gave him a place at the table. This is the heart of Spirit-filled kindness: seeking the overlooked, showing mercy, and extending grace. Just as David’s kindness reflected God’s love, we too are called to mirror that love, lifting others up and inviting them to experience the peace and acceptance we’ve received in Christ. Goodness and kindness are not just feelings—they are actions that reflect the gospel.
Patience isn’t easy—but it’s essential. James reminds us that God is slow to anger, giving space for growth, not just punishment. As believers, we’re called to mirror His patience, even when life feels frustrating. Trials are certain, but they aren’t wasted—they’re purposeful, shaping our faith. Like a farmer waits for the harvest, we wait on God, trusting that growth, though stubborn and slow, will bear fruit. True patience isn’t passive—it’s faith in action, grounded in God’s timing and goodness.
In a world full of noise, stress, and inner battles, true peace can feel out of reach. But Scripture reminds us that peace isn’t found in our circumstances—it’s found in Christ. Though we wrestle with the war within—our sinful nature pulling one way, God’s Spirit calling another—there’s hope. But God… rich in mercy, offers new life, raises us up, and seats us beside Him. The path to peace isn’t avoiding struggle; it’s trusting Him through it, drawing close, and letting His Spirit rule in our hearts. In Him, peace isn’t just possible—it’s promised.
True joy isn’t based on circumstances—it’s rooted in Christ. James reminds us that even in trials, we can have joy when we stand on God’s truth and His promises. But joy has enemies—discontent and sin can rob our hearts of peace. The good news? Joy grows when we live by the presence of the Spirit and for the person of our Savior. It’s not a surface feeling—it’s the deep, lasting fruit of a life surrendered to God. Let’s not let life set the temperature—let the Spirit be the thermostat of our joy.
Spiritual gifts are powerful—but without love, they’re empty. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 13 that love gives meaning to our actions and depth to our witness. Love sacrifices, it defers, and it dies to self. It’s not about impressing with gifts, but expressing Christ through grace. Love is the fruit that makes the gifts fruitful. While gifts may fade, love remains—timeless, eternal, and essential. As we grow in the Spirit, we grow in love, becoming more like Christ and preparing for the glory to come. Let’s pursue gifts, yes—but above all, let’s live love.
In Luke 15, Jesus shows us a father like no other—one who releases, resolves, and receives. Though his sons had different struggles, the father met them both with the same steady love. One wandered with selfish motives; the other stayed with a bitter mindset. But the father’s heart remained full of grace, wisdom, and peace. He didn’t just react—he reached out, mediating with love and receiving them both with open arms. This Father’s Day, we celebrate not only earthly fathers but our Heavenly Father, whose love restores, reconciles, and never runs out.
