The Hub Magazine Issue 3

Beyond Belief

by Mark Ashton

Be Known for Something

by Mark MacDonald

Beauty from Ashes: Kim Ramm's Story

What the church is doing today to train the leaders of tomorrow

View the CCC Calendar of Events on the last page

CHRIST COMMUNITY CHURCH

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You Matter TO

You Matter TO GOD You

GOD

Matter TO US

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CONTENTS

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COVER STORY

CCC Church Residency

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Publisher | CHRIST COMMUNITY CHURCH Editor | JONATHAN NORTON Art Direction | JONATHAN NORTON and JOE JENSEN Copy Editor | RACHEL BEBEE Graphic Design | MARIE DUFOUR Contributing Photographers: Marie Dufour, Jenna Drucker, Jonathan Norton, Jessica Logue, Austin Asay, Carrie Lyman, Taylor Madden, Hawa Images

SUNDAY MORNING SERVICES

Contributing Writers: Mark Ashton, Nancy Davies, Mark MacDonald, Craig Walter, Lisa Ashton, Joe Jensen, Jeff Neeley, Rachel Bebee, Robert Murphy, Jed Logue, Allison Dykhouse

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The Hub Magazine is published semi-yearly

by Christ Community Church. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or part without written permission from the publisher. Copyright 2017 Christ Community Church. All rights reserved.

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Our team is so excited to bring you the third issue of The Hub Magazine, an original publication of the story of what God is doing in and through the ministry of Christ Community Church (CCC).

As a church, we are entering into another exciting season of ministry. Some of the most anticipated events of the year are just around the corner: Kids and Student Ministry Fall Kickoff, Baptism on the Green, Step Into Village One, Student Ministry Fall Retreats, the annual Christmas Concert, and even Thrive: A Gathering for Women will be here before we known it! But this fall is especially exciting. This year, we’ve launched the all-new Church Residency program here at CCC, where twelve college graduates will spend the next two years with CCC getting hands-on ministry experience.

In addition to the new Church Residency program, our entire church is about to embark on an exciting new journey together. But more on that later...

Our prayer is that this next season is a season of growth for our church. We want to see the gospel reaching the least-reached places where all of the odds are stacked against us, both here in Omaha and across the world. We’re continuing our mission as a church to make disciples of Jesus for Kingdom impact, so that everyone is equipped to share the good news of Jesus with the people in their everyday lives. We’re also praying for personal growth for everyone here at CCC. We pray that you will experience growth in your relationships, your leadership, and your spiritual journeys.

We’re passionate about bringing you stories of lifechange, as well as informing you about what’s coming up at CCC. We’d love to hear your thoughts about The Hub Magazine. We’ve created a short survey and we’d love to hear your feedback on The Hub Magazine. The information you share with us will help us shape the magazine in the future. Take the short survey online at cccomaha.org/feedback.

In Christ, The CCC Hub Magazine Team / hub@cccomaha.org

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BEYOND BELIEF

by Mark Ashton

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Photo by Austin Neill

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R.R. Brown, Founder of CCC compiled by Nancy Davies

“

M

y life is marked by R.R. Brown: in just a few minutes, he changed my life.” Dallas Willard, philosopher and theologian, recalls being prayed over by Dr. Brown and credits that experience as his consecration to ministry as a young college student. Willard’s experience was typical of Dr. Brown’s impact on the thousands of people he ministered to during his life.

Robert Roger Brown, affectionately known as R.R., was the charismatic founder whose life and mission is embedded in the core of the Alliance and CCC. Dr. Brown was dynamic, hard-working, and deeply committed to Jesus. He was born in 1885 to humble Scottish parents in a small Pennsylvania town. As part of a large family living in the rough conditions of a coal-mining town, R.R. developed a strong work ethic at an early age, and this trait continued to be a distinguishing feature of his life and ministry. A talented athlete and musician, his early desire was to become an actor, but Brown’s interests shifted at the age of 18 when he turned his life over to Jesus Christ and devoted all of his talents to serving God. He entered Nyack Missionary College for training in 1910 and after graduation began his first pastorate in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, where he met his wife Mary. In his early years of ministry, Dr. Brown often worked with Dr. A.B. Simpson, founder of the Christian and Missionary Alliance. Despite the difference in age, Simpson had a significant influence on Brown, evident in his passion for reaching people locally and around the world with the gospel of Jesus.

From Pennsylvania, the Browns moved to Chicago, where he was appointed the Superintendent of the Western District of the Alliance and founded the church that A.W. Tozer would later lead. One year later, Brown

began services in an old, abandoned church in Omaha. His pioneering spirit drew him to the open spaces and warm people of Nebraska; he often referred to Omaha as the heart of America. He conducted four months of nightly tent meetings at 20th and Douglas and soon 500 people were attending the meetings.

In April of 1923, R.R. was asked to give a religious program on the new radio station, WOW. Most people considered radio to be a gimmick; however, R.R. envisioned the potential to reach others with the gospel and enthusiastically began what would become 40 years of continuous Sunday radio services. The outreach of the broadcast was heard over much of the Midwest and reached 500,000 listeners at its peak. As a result of the radio outreach, Dr. Brown founded the Okoboji Lakes Bible Conference and was propelled into regional and national recognition as the voice of the Alliance.

Brown was an outstanding preacher possessing great humor and storytelling ability. His vision for evangelism, whether at home or abroad, was one of the most remembered marks of his ministry. He loved Jesus and he loved people. To him, the masses across the world were desperately in need, lost and hopeless without Christ. He frequently visited the Alliance mission fields to keep in touch with the work and encourage the missionaries. At home, he utilized any and every means

to reach the lost, whether visiting the sick, speaking at local civic meetings, or inviting visitors at nearby hotels to attend services.

The critical characteristic of his life and ministry was prayer. In personal journals, devotion to prayer is sprinkled throughout, including comments on the presence of the Holy Spirit through his preaching, a deep desire for a new sense of God, victory found through prayer, and times of instruction from the Lord. His desire was for total dependence on the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God flowed through his preaching and prayer for others, bringing life change to those that came under his ministry. “Not by might, nor my power, but my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6). This verse was placed prominently at the front of the church for years and exemplified R.R. Brown’s life. §

• R.R. Brown's journal

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I’m a church communication consultant. I’ve been actively attending local churches for five decades and working with pastors all around North America for more than 30 years. My amazing job allows me to speak at conferences and I’ve even authored a best-selling book (Be Known For Something | Reconnect with Community by Revitalizing Your Church's Reputation). I love the Church.

I’m sure you’ve seen the changes in church culture that I have.

It used to be that my family would somehow magically appear at our church almost every time the doors were unlocked. Our entire lives revolved around their ministries. But now people barely make time for church and “regular attendance” has become a couple of times a month (at best).

Once, the church was in the middle of the community and represented the

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community. It was the central hub of everything going on.

But now churches are struggling to grow while the communities around them are booming. Slowly, we’ve watched the community ignore our existence. Sadly, a third of most communities have no connection with a local church. They don’t know why they would even need us!

We’re not known for anything.

In fact, research shows that the perception of the Church is what we’re against, rather than what we’re for.

This should concern us individually since we are the Church!

Why does being known for something matter? People are required to make a lot of daily decisions and choices, let alone where they should go to church. There’s no way to make many competent, knowledgeable, and

thoughtful decisions that are needed, so we resort to compartmentalizing our knowledge into what we know about something. And from top-ofmind awareness, we can make much faster decisions.

“Hey, want to go out for a quick lunch? For Mexican food?” you’re asked.

You quickly think, if we don’t have much time and you want Mexican, we only have a few lunch choices, based on what you know.

As Christ-followers, we have to become known for something that’s needed in order to overcome our current negative perception. But is it possible?

Or is it too late? I believe we can do it!

This isn’t just something that church leadership needs to accomplish. We, all Christ-followers, need to join with them to be known for something relevant and needed.

Here are five steps to figuring out how to be known for something needed: Know the community that God placed us in. Has it ever occurred to you that it’s not a coincidence where you live or the people you get to interact with? I believe God is stirring hearts and minds of people all around us. He just wants us to be ready and willing to join him in the work. Most of us find ourselves influencing a community of people. Stop and consider who you enjoy talking with and who you attract.

If we as believers would simply interact with them as the Bible instructs, we’d reach the world for Christ.

Start listening to what they’re talking about. Sports? Politics?

Family? Entertainment? Parents? The list continues. Often their demographics determine what interests them. Consider their concerns and needs in life. Also consider their goals. Want to start a conversation with someone? Consider their age and gender, and you can usually talk about a concern or a goal that corresponds directly with them.

If you run into a college student? You can probably have a great conversation about an upcoming exam (concern) or the challenging job they’d love to have (goal).

From general concerns, consider how you can be a solution. A baby boomer who is concerned about aging parents may jump at the chance for you to talk about how you secured a reasonably-priced assisted living home

for your parents. Or from goals think of ways you can help them discover a path. Like a millennial who wants to update their new home: you could offer to lend a table saw and give them a lesson. People will engage with you if you’re perceived as a solution or a path.

Become known for that solution/ path thread. We will successfully connect with particular groups for a particular thread of activity that is perceived as a solution or path. God has uniquely prepared you to connect

with your community. You have gifting and knowledge that can be used if you're willing. Maybe God’s prepared you so well that you should start a ministry based on your thread! Once we engage with people and view them the way Jesus did, we want to leverage our relationship for Christ.

Make the turn for Christ. Jesus waited at the well for a person who came looking for water. He then engaged with her about water (a temporal need) even though there

were countless spiritual areas that needed to be addressed. Our world, for the most part, isn’t seeking religious advice, so we need to engage with them about what’s on their minds, first. But in the Biblical story, it doesn’t take Jesus long to turn the conversation from “water” to “what if I could give you water so you’ll never thirst again?” Our role in connecting with our community is to meet them where they are and use that engagement to turn the conversation to Jesus.

Churches can do this on a corporate level, too (i.e., perhaps you see your community has lots of divorce or troubled marriages so you become known for mending marriages); but you, individually, should become known for something so you’re developing a community that needs you and wants to engage with you. Together, your leadership and you can help your community understand that you care and have the best eternal solution ever offered. §

Mark MacDonald is a Bible teacher, speaker, best-selling author of Be Known For Something, and communication strategist for BeKnownForSomething.com. He empowers churches to become known for something relevant (a communication thread) throughout their ministries, websites, and social media. His book is available for purchase at BeKnownBook.com and Amazon.com.

Cover art by Kurt Weaver and Mark MacDonald, photo by Mark Hanson. Used with permission.

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by Craig Walter

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Photo by Alexander Kunze

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1. Focus on your relationship with God

2. Realize that all parents are imperfect As parents, we need to be constantly working on our relationship with our children. We need to be parents of patience. I know that is so much easier to say than to do. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Point your kids in the right direction— when they’re old they won’t be lost” (The Message). Our job is not to make them perfect, that’s just not possible. We need to raise them in the way that they were uniquely created, to shape them with their own inherent strengths and weaknesses. Author Michelle Anthony wrote in Spiritual Parenting: An Awakening for Today's Families, “Spiritual parenting is not perfect parenting; it is imperfect parenting with eternity in mind.”

3. Praise your children We need to be parents of praise.

It is so easy to find faults in our children, especially when we spend so much time with them.

I remember picking up one of my children from Sunday school and the teacher said, “She is such a joy to have in our class, so respectful, and such a good helper.” I said, “Who are you talking about?” I was surprised because I was thinking about all of the parenting opportunities that we had with her over the last few weeks. I had a difficult time seeing past those struggles. I have learned that if a child is doing nothing right, find a way to praise them for something, anything. In time, children will begin to work for that praise and look forward to it.

4. Play with your children We need to be parents of play. Did you know that children’s play is their work? There are so many things that you can teach them when you play with them. You can begin to teach them how to navigate their way through life.

In return, if you pay attention, your children will tell you what their love language is and how you can fill their love tank. You will look brilliant if you just listen to your children and learn how to speak their language. We need to make the choice to put down our screens, slow down our schedules, and pay attention. The dirty dishes in your sink will still be there tomorrow, but the opportunity to play with your kids might not be. The great philosopher Ferris Bueller once shared, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once and awhile, you could miss it.” §

by Jeff Neeley

Did you know that your children are more likely to accept Jesus because they see him in your life?

Children are more likely to respect people if you do, more likely to pray, read scriptures, and attend church by the model they first observe in you.

Look what Deuteronomy 6:5–7 (The Message) says: “Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that’s in you; love him with all you’ve got!

Write these commandments that I’ve given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night inscribe them on the doorposts of your homes.”

What this passage is saying is that parenting is all about relationships. Our faith needs to be lived out loud—not just at church on Sunday—but every other day of the week, wherever we go. As a result, we live such a transparent life that our actions show that we are different. St. Francis of Assisi once said, “Preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words.” You are not only to model this relationship with God, but mentor your children on what a relationship looks like. You teach and talk about God throughout daily life. When we are filling ourselves with the source of life, it gives us the sustaining energy to do life the way God wants us to.

YOU R K I D S M AT TER TO G OD

At Christ Community Church, we love kids! Maybe you don’t know it yet, but your kids are amazing, fun, and deep spiritual beings. Given the chance, your children will blow your mind with both the randomness of what they say, as well as the deep and sometimes profound questions they ask.

As parents, we can have a lot of questions too. As a new parent, I had a ton of questions running through my head, but unfortunately, there is no instruction manual for this exact make and model of child—we learn by doing.

I remember one time wanting to see my child's eyes, but she was sleeping. So what does any good first-time parent do? You wake them up, right? Uh, no. I can tell you now that was the wrong answer. Another not so great idea was when I thought it would be great to have my girls watch the Michael Jackson Thriller video just before bedtime. Let’s just say that I’ve had lots of opportunities to learn, usually by doing the wrong things!

So, as parents, how do we do it? How do we parent our children (or spend time with children) without losing our minds or scarring them for life? We want to raise God-honoring, Christ-following, healthy adults—a daunting task.

Here are four quick thoughts for your parenting journey ahead.

Jeff Neeley is the Preschool Director at CCC. Our Kids Connect ministry team is here to encourage you, equip you, and pray for you as you navigate the parenting journey. For more information about Kids Connect, visit cccomaha.org/kids.

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What the church is doing today to train the leaders of tomorrow

by Joe Jensen

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M

eet Colin. He’s 25 years old. Smart. Funny.

Articulate. But as you talk to him, you’ll soon notice that his eyes are a bit glazed over.

Somewhere along the line he lost his passion and lost his way. He’s struggling right now: working a job he hates, paying off a mountain of student loan debt, and wondering what happened to his calling. He’s frustrated at God, at himself, and at life in general. So what happened?

Not too long ago, Colin was right where he thought he was meant to be. After accepting Jesus and giving his life to him as a junior in high school, Colin felt the call to go into

full-time church ministry. So he did what he thought he needed to do to pursue that calling—he went to a Christian college and got a ministry degree. He had a great college experience, meeting life-long friends and taking great Biblebased classes he thought would give him all the preparation he would need to be successful in ministry. Colin graduated with a decent GPA and walked away with a degree from a good, reputable school. Everything seemed to be coming together for Colin.

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The residency is a two-year program focused on combining practical experience with graduate-level education.

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loan debt. And as he put together his resume and started applying for jobs, he found that he had very little real-life ministry experience. For a few months he struggled to find a fulltime job in ministry. He was being passed up for ministers with more experience. He quickly found that having a degree wasn’t enough. And to make matters worse, his student loans were coming due in just a few short weeks.

Colin eventually found a job at a small church as a youth pastor. He was excited to finally put his calling and education to work. However, Colin quickly discovered that many of the challenges he faced in that ministry were beyond anything he had learned in college. No one prepared him for the 8th grader who cuts herself, for the freshman guy whose parents just got a divorce, for the sophomore girl struggling with her sexual identity. He never took a class for some of the practical ministry things, like how to resolve conflicts with a fellow staff member, how to manage his time and his projects effectively, or how to balance a ministry budget (or a personal budget for that matter).

Colin soon found that he was in over his head. He had no one to go to for advice because, after all, he was hired to be the "expert" in youth

ministry. He was alone. And he was broke—financially, emotionally, and spiritually. He wasn’t prepared to take care of his own soul as he took care of the souls of others. As a result, after two and a half years, Colin decided to call it quits. He burned out and dropped out of ministry.

Unfortunately, Colin’s story is not uncommon. In fact, it’s estimated that 85% of people who are called into full-time church ministry drop out in the first five years. That’s a staggering statistic. That can’t be true, can it? And if it is, what can we do to change it? How can we prevent Colin’s story from happening to others? As we endeavor to plant more churches and send young leaders out to impact the world for Jesus, how can we prepare them to thrive and flourish in their ministry calling? That’s where the CCC Church Residency comes in.

For a few years, CCC leadership has been dreaming of a program that could equip young leaders called to work in church ministry with the tools and training they need to be successful in that calling. What if we could give them practical ministry experiences where they could learn in a directed, hands-on way? What if we could provide one-on-one mentoring from an experienced pastor and leader in the area to which they feel called?

And what if we could enhance that practical experience with knowledge in theology and leadership by providing a masters degree from Crown College? These were the things we dreamed about, and through God’s grace and provision, they have become a reality.

This fall, Christ Community Church officially launched the CCC Church Residency. We have twelve residents working in seven different ministry areas, with another twelve beginning in the summer of 2018.

The residency is a two-year program focused on combining practical experience with graduate-level education.

The goal is for the resident to complete the program fully prepared for ministry without further debt, which is

why the church, along with a generous discount from Crown, will pay 100% of the tuition.

As we endeavor on such an ambitious and Kingdom-focused approach to leadership training, I would ask you to do four things in the coming months:

1. PRAY

Pray for residents as they receive their training. Pray for the staff who are mentoring and training the residents.

Pray for the churches, missions, and organizations that will soon be hiring our residents. And most of all, pray that God gets all the glory and that the mission of the Church advances because more bright, young leaders are being sent out!

2. GIVE

Although the church is paying for the residents’ tuition along with a small monthly stipend, each resident is required to raise support to cover their monthly expenses. Because we want the residents to focus on their experience without overextending themselves to get a part-time job, this support is crucial to free them up to focus on their training. If you feel led to contribute to an individual resident or if you’d like to designate giving to the program overall, visit cccomaha.org/give.

3. HOST

Each resident will live with a CCC member/attender for the duration of their residency. This is not only a great way to save them money, but also to connect them with caring people who can provide additional leadership and support in their lives. If you have the gift of hospitality, an extra room or basement, and would like more information on becoming a host home, visit cccresidency.org/hosthome.

4. CONNECT

A program like this can only be realized and accomplished together.

We’ll introduce you to the first cohort of residents on the next page. As you see them around the church, please approach them and introduce yourself. Say “hi” and get to know them.

Perhaps you would want to bless them by taking them out to lunch or coffee or giving them an occasional gift card. More importantly, bless them with your words of love and encouragement.

A program like this can only be realized and accomplished together.

It’s not just a few staff who can pull this off. We need everyone in the church to capture the vision and recognize that, in order to provide a great program for residents, we need to have a culture that values training and equipping young leaders for work in church ministry. They are the future—but to send them into the future with everything they need, the Church of today needs to get behind them, support them, and mentor them so they can lead us into tomorrow. The CCC Church Residency is a huge step in that direction. Thanks for taking that step with us! § Joe Jensen is the Executive Pastor of Arts, Discipleship, and Residency at CCC. If you'd like more information about the Residency Program, or if you'd like to be a resident yourself, visit cccresidency.org.

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M E E T

TIFFANY JONES MIDDLE SCHOOL MINISTRY

AGE: 27 HOMETOWN: Doniphan, NE COLLEGE/DEGREE: University of Nebraska—Omaha; Speech Communication CALL TO MINISTRY: Working for an anti-hunger nonprofit after college, I realized that food wasn’t enough to satisfy our kids, but they needed Jesus. I wanted to be a part of that.

FAVORITE FOOD: Dark chocolate and tacos FAVORITE STARBUCKS DRINK: Almond or soy milk latte

SETH HERDLE HIGH SCHOOL MINISTRY

AGE: 22 HOMETOWN: Tacoma, WA COLLEGE/DEGREE: Crown College; Youth & Family Ministry and Christian Studies CALL TO MINISTRY: I felt the call to ministry at Crown College my sophomore year.

FAVORITE FOOD: Swedish pancakes FAVORITE STARBUCKS DRINK: Java Chip Frappuccino

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KATELYNN PETKOFF

MIDDLE SCHOOL MINISTRY AGE: 23 HOMETOWN: Payson, AZ COLLEGE/DEGREE: Arizona Christian University; Christian Ministries CALL TO MINISTRY: I started volunteering in my home church at 16 and God has developed the journey over the years.

FAVORITE FOOD: Tacos, by a landslide (but I’ll also accept most forms of Mexican food) FAVORITE STARBUCKS DRINK: Anything iced

T H E

RILEY STAUFFER HIGH SCHOOL MINISTRY

AGE: 20 HOMETOWN: Franklin, NE COLLEGE/DEGREE: Nebraska Christian College; Christian Ministry CALL TO MINISTRY: I realized that I wanted to do full-time ministry my senior year of high school.

FAVORITE FOOD: Fettuccine Alfredo FAVORITE STARBUCKS DRINK: Caramel Macchiato

POLLYANNA LATSHAW

JONATHAN LATSHAW

AGE: 23 HOMETOWN: Norfolk, NE COLLEGE/DEGREE: University of Nebraska—Lincoln; Family Science CALL TO MINISTRY: I was discipling college-aged women on Cru’s San Diego Summer Mission two years ago when I first felt called to ministry.

FAVORITE FOOD: Sweet potatoes FAVORITE STARBUCKS DRINK: Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew

AGE: 22 HOMETOWN: Oak Grove, MO COLLEGE/DEGREE: Missouri State University; Exercise & Movement Science CALL TO MINISTRY: Midway through my sophomore year, I was walking through campus one night and thought, “I can do college ministry. I can be used to reach college students with the gospel.”

FAVORITE FOOD: Pepperoni pizza FAVORITE STARBUCKS DRINK: Black coffee only. Yes, I’m one of those guys.

COLLEGE MINISTRY

COLLEGE MINISTRY

R E S I D E N T S

ASHLEY HAUKOS

CARRIE LYMAN

IAN WILLSEY

AGE: 21 HOMETOWN: Milaca, MN COLLEGE/DEGREE: Crown College; International Studies and Community Development CALL TO MINISTRY: I was specifically called at a church camp when I was 13.

FAVORITE FOOD: Ice cream—maybe this is a dessert, but it’s still the best!

FAVORITE STARBUCKS DRINK: Caramel Macchiato

AGE: 27 HOMETOWN: Akron, OH COLLEGE/DEGREE: Toccoa Falls College; Cross-Cultural Studies CALL TO MINISTRY: Even as a young girl, missions has been close to my heart. Since I was a pre-teen, I have felt God calling me to be a part of what he is doing around the world.

FAVORITE FOOD: Chips and queso FAVORITE STARBUCKS DRINK: Caramel Apple Spice

AGE: 21 HOMETOWN: Waconia, MN COLLEGE/DEGREE: Crown College; Communications (Digital Arts) CALL TO MINISTRY: When I was 19, serving as a videographer on a high school short-term team to Haiti.

FAVORITE FOOD: Mangosteen FAVORITE STARBUCKS DRINK: Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew

KEAGAN BLANCKE

STEFANNY HERDLE ZAPATA

JENNA DRUCKER

MISSIONS

PRODUCTION

AGE: 26 COLLEGE/DEGREE: University of Northwestern—St. Paul; Electronic Media Communication with a dual emphasis in Recording Arts and Audio Production CALL TO MINISTRY: I read through the Bible in one year during college and knew I needed to follow God wherever he was leading.

FAVORITE FOOD: Veggie burger with hummus (my wife has influenced me to eat healthier) FAVORITE STARBUCKS DRINK: Refresher, no water, add lemonade, blend. Otherwise, black coffee is fine.

MISSIONS

COUNSELING

AGE: 22 HOMETOWN: Quito, Ecuador COLLEGE/DEGREE: Crown College; International Studies and Business Administration CALL TO MINISTRY: When I was 15–16 years old at a youth missionary camp in Quito, Ecuador.

FAVORITE FOOD: Seafood (Crab) FAVORITE STARBUCKS DRINK: Java Chip Frappuccino

CREATIVE/COMMUNICATIONS

COUNSELING

AGE: 21 HOMETOWN: Santa Clarita, CA COLLEGE/DEGREE: Toccoa Falls College; Cross-Cultural Studies CALL TO MINISTRY: In sixth grade at youth group, I watched a video from a missions team that had just been to Uganda. I knew my purpose would consist of caring for the hurting and being a part of God’s restoration.

FAVORITE FOOD: Mediterranean FAVORITE STARBUCKS DRINK: Hot or iced chai latte with almond milk

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CCC STAFF SPOTLIGHT

FAMILY: Husband Ben and sons

Gavin (3) and Derek (1)

PROFESSION: First Impressions Director

The Christ Community Church Staff Spotlight is a chance to get to know the staff members you might see around the church building. Each issue, we'll feature a staff member, share a little bit about their life, how they got to CCC, and something you may not know about them. This issue features Jessica Hawley, First Impressions Director.

WHAT AREA DO YOU SERVE? I’ve been the First Impressions Director at CCC for almost five years and I absolutely love my job! My teams and I are on the front lines welcoming and helping people who come through our doors on Sunday mornings. Whether you are a first-time guest or have been coming here for years, we are happy to help serve anyone who needs a question answered, help finding a classroom, a bottle of water, you name it.

When you see someone serving in services as an usher, at the entrances as a greeter, at any of the Info Centers, on the connection team at the Octagon, or at Start, Connect, and Serve in the Atrium, those people are on my team! I also get the privilege of working with guests who are attending CCC for the first time. I do a lot of organizing and coordinating schedules and people, as well as mentoring, developing, and investing in the volunteers on my teams.

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ORIGINS: Omaha, Nebraska LOVES: Coffee, Crossfit, and

Creighton Basketball

WHY VOLUNTEER? Whether you volunteer on a particular team, are part of a Journey Group, or are sitting in a service, you are making yourself a part of something bigger than you could be on your own. When we volunteer, we are consciously choosing to invest ourselves into the lives of others. By serving every week, every other week, or once a month, you are sharing in the joy and community that we have as the body of Christ.

We all have a journey, we all have a story, we all have roads that have led us to where we are and unique gifts we have been given. Joining in serving at Christ Community Church is one of the easiest ways to give back and pour into your church family. If you are currently not serving somewhere in the church, I would encourage you to consider finding an area that you love and investing time in that. Each one of you has a gift, and it’s utilized to its fullest potential when you are participating in the community.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING ON YOUR DAYS OFF? I love working out at my CrossFit gym and landscaping my yard. I love spending time outdoors with my family and friends, sharing a meal or hanging out at our fire pit.

I love taking my two boys on walks at the park or the zoo.

We usually end up at the Chick-fil-A play place about once a week! §

R E AC H I N G T H E N AT I O N S A M O N G U S

by Lisa Ashton

I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth. —Isaiah 49:6

English Conversation Class meets on Wednesday evenings September— April. If you're interested in serving as a teacher, contact Brittni Donahue at ccc.conversationclass@gmail.com.

The International Group is a multicultural community who shares a desire to learn about Jesus and experience life together. If you know of an international in Omaha who could benefit from a community like this, please connect them with Mark Carlson at markcarlson51@gmail.com.

THE HUB MAGAZINE / CCCOMAHA.ORG

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This is Mission Myron Pierce's church plant in North Omaha

by Rachel Bebee Fifteen years ago, Myron Pierce fell to his knees on the floor of a jail cell. God, he prayed, if you’ll change me, I’ll serve you the rest of my life. On that floor, Myron sensed a call from God, a vision to both be changed to serve him and to be a culture-changer in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska.

Born to parents in the Omaha inner city who were addicted to crack cocaine, Myron seemed destined for a life of poverty, violence, and drug addiction. At age 15, he dropped out of high school, and by age 16, he faced a sentence of 100 years in prison—his first sentence. Over the next few years, he was in and out of prison. While in the Douglas County Youth Detention Center, he heard about the good news of Jesus Christ, but felt that he didn’t need God. It wasn’t until 2002 that he recognized his need for a Savior. After that interaction with God in the cell, Myron’s life was dramatically changed. The criminal would eventually be called back to his home in Village One to become the pastor.

While still in prison in the work-release program, Myron met Ron Dotzler, founder of Bridge Church and Abide, who took a chance on him. Ron invited Myron to lead the youth program at Bridge Church. During this time, Myron was attending Grace University and volunteering at Compass Ministries (formerly part of Christ Community 26

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Church’s ministry, now a part of Abide Omaha), when he met his wife, Kristin. Myron would then pastor Bridge Church in North Omaha for a period of time.

In 2012, Myron and Kristin left Omaha to plant a church and a community development program in southeast Denver. While his ministry was young and his marriage on the brink of failure, Myron sought out help in dealing with his addiction to pornography, which then led to marriage counseling with Kristin. Through the counseling, Myron experienced great healing from wounds left from his childhood and from his addiction. Though the Pierces didn’t stay in Denver long-term, Myron's experience there taught him that church planting is done best in community with mentors building into the church planter. A pastor is not meant to go it alone as he plants a church.

This fall, Myron will plant Mission Church in Village One, an area from 30th to 36th, Lake Street to Hamilton Street, which has a population of 1,889 people. Like any church plant, Mission Church is all about loving God and

making disciples, yet the vision is to unleash unprecedented hope and compassion on inner cities. Myron’s dream is that Mission Church will not be just one church that affects Village One, but a network of churches that impacts the rest of North Omaha and South Omaha.

The vision doesn’t stop at the borders of the city, but continues on to the inner cities of Des Moines, Kansas City, Minneapolis, and the rest of the country.

Mission has been birthed out of that prayer on the cell floor and a dream to make a change in inner cities.

For Myron, returning to his roots has been a sobering experience. His family and neighbors remembered him as a dope dealer, a womanizer, a terror to the neighborhood, the one who showed up on the nightly news. Myron has had to work very hard to change those views. It's also been painful.

Two close friends died within a sixmonth span. Weeks after the second death, he buried a cousin, and weeks after that, buried a friend. Serving

in Village One is a constant struggle of seeing the hope that God has given, that he and Mission Church could unleash unprecedented hope in North Omaha, and yet living the reality of seeing those he loves die, because of the choices that they’ve made. Yet Myron experiences great joy as he watches people get discipled and experience new life, people like Kenny Cook, a tattooed from head-totoe gang member, who Myron sees as a future church-planter. He feels joy as he watches a bunch of misfits unite to bring the gospel to Village One through the work of Mission Church.

Over the next year, Myron will not just plant Mission Church, but also establish the Village One Council, where he will invite business, pastoral, and community leaders to band together to enact change that produces dignity for the residents. Myron shared that true dignity and justice for the people of Village One is created by listening to people and helping them bring the vision they have for their community

Mission Church is all about loving God and making disciples, yet the vision is to unleash unprecedented hope and compassion on inner cities.

Myron Pierce preaching at Mission Church •

to fruition. It’s doing what is right for everyone, not just for some.

The Village One Council will exist to keep their finger on the pulse of the community by planning Village One town meetings, fostering community connections, shifting into a family-style culture, and addressing the issues that the community faces.

Myron shared that the number one issue faced by this community isn’t violence, but is actually the need for healthcare, followed by counseling, violence, and hopelessness or fear of the future. Throughout the year, the council will convene to work through how these problems can be solved, with all members of the community working together.

Since the very first meeting of Mission Church, nine people have been baptized and about 150 people have joined the launch team. God is weaving together a beautiful tapestry of people who are white and black, young and old, former criminals and former law enforcement.

As a pastor, Myron has a unique position within Village One that someone from outside the community doesn't have. As someone who was raised in Village One, he doesn't have to fight for credibility—he already has it. People listen to him as he understands the community and desires to change the environment for the better. Myron is passionate about raising up leaders from within the community and equipping them to be leaders in their families, in their community, in Omaha, and throughout the world. By partnering with his community through Mission Church and preparing new church planters through Mission’s residency program, Myron is striving to make a difference, one life at a time. § Rachel Bebee is the Communications Team Project Coordinator at CCC.

Mission Church officially launches on September 24, 2017. If you would like to learn more about Mission Church or get involved, visit their website at thisismission.org.

THE HUB MAGAZINE / CCCOMAHA.ORG

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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

CHILDREN: 3 sons, 1 daughter PROFESSION: Retired

The Christ Community Church Volunteer Spotlight is a chance to get to know a volunteer you might see around the church building. Each issue, we'll feature a volunteer, share a little bit about their life, how they got to CCC, and something you may not know about them. This issue features Jane Gilson, who serves in Food Services.

Long-time member and volunteer at Christ Community Church, Jane Gilson has been involved here for over thirty years. Jane has a heart to serve others and has served at CCC in several areas. She primarily serves in the kitchen with Nichole Atkins, CCC’s Food Services Manager, but she also helps with the Dayspring class, part of the Boomers & Beyond ministry, on Sunday mornings and serves once a month on the Greeter Team with her friend Peggy Hovorka.

In the past, she also served a Sunday School teacher for kids.

As part of serving in the kitchen, Jane helps prepare for different events such as the monthly Boomers & Beyond lunches and funeral lunches. Jane is great at creating welcoming spaces by setting up tables and helping Nichole and the other volunteers in Food Services with the food preparations as needed.

Born in Iowa, Jane was raised on a farm with a huge family. Although she lived on the West Coast for awhile, she's a Midwestern gal at heart! She loves living in Nebraska

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ORIGINS: Born in Iowa City, Iowa

because she gets to experience all four seasons. She even enjoys shoveling snow! She has three sons and one daughter, eight grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. She spent sixty years working as a waitress, including working at Wheatfields in Omaha for thirty years. She enjoys spending time with all of her family and working outside.

Jane became involved with CCC many years ago. When her daughter was about 16, the two of them began attending CCC. She and her family moved to Oceanside, California, where they lived for eight years, but when they moved back, Jane came back to CCC and has been attending ever since.

Jane loves serving at CCC because of the relationships she’s built here. When she works in the kitchen, she and her friends have fun and enjoy being together. She enjoys getting to know new and old friends better, spending time with other Christians, and serving Jesus and others in the local church. Not only are Jane’s friends a blessing to her, but she is also a blessing to them! Nichole shared, “Jane is one of the most inspirational and hardworking people I have ever met. Getting to know her over the last couple years has proven that no matter the trial or situation you are in, your faith in God and trust in him will get you through your trial and make you stronger than ever.” § Interested in serving at CCC? Visit cccomaha.org/serve for a list of serving opportunities.

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Life, Together.

by Robert Murphy

"Our relationship with each other is the criterion the world uses to judge whether our message is truthful—Christian community is the final apologetic." —Francis Schaeffer At the core of Jesus’ teaching is love: love God and love your neighbors as you love yourself (Matthew 22:37–39).

The night before he was arrested, Jesus gave the disciples a new command to love others as he loved them (John 13:34–35). One reason CCC hopes everyone can be in a Journey Group is because it provides numerous expressions of Christ-like love within a smaller community.

“When my week has been stressful and the workplace has been a negative environment, going to Journey Group is a nice break in the middle of the week where I can be encouraged.” Sarah Graham, who is married and the mother of a toddler, revealed why it’s important for her to attend. “It has been such a blessing to be a part of a group where we are all in the same life stage. We can encourage each other, appreciate each other's experiences, and be patient when our Bible study is interrupted by screaming toddlers.”

While the discussion and studies are good and people like connecting with other Christians, it’s in those moments of pain where people experience God’s love, grace, and direction in a tangible way. “The Journey Group brought me a lot of practical and emotional support when my father passed away suddenly.” For Aimee Hennings, her Journey Group was used by God to help her through a difficult period. “I was amazed at the outpouring of support I was given. Every regular attending member of our group showed up to either the viewing or the funeral, which was in Fremont, and everyone cooked a meal and brought to our home. They sacrificed their time—I know how hard that is to do with small children—and showed me and my family love during this difficult time.”

“It can be easy to get lost in a big church,” Sarah shared about her experience of being new to a community and church.

“I grew up in a tight-knit Christian community and attended Christian schools. When I moved to Omaha to attend school, it was the first time I was out of that environment on my own. I needed to find a Christian community that I could learn and grow with.”

In a culture that expects instant results, forming community is a test. It’s no wonder that in 1 Corinthians 13, when listing the attributes of love, patience is the first descriptor of love. Can we be patient when it comes to community? Can we commit to it even when we don’t see instantaneous results?

It took time to create community in this group that was formed several years ago. “I feel like this past year we really grew in our relationships with each other. We were doing more with each other outside the group.”

Travis Williams leads Aimee and Sarah’s Journey Group.

“Before, we had our ups and downs, people came and went. However, all of us in the group went through that together. We walked with each other’s joys and struggles.

It’s not always pretty. There are disagreements, but we can deal with it because we are in it together.”

The group has studied different books of the Bible and marriage studies. There are Omaha natives and transplants. There is more than a ten-year gap between some of the group members. Some are veteran parents, while others are new to parenthood. It’s a diverse group, and yet they are a community. They love each other both in group and outside the Tuesday evenings they meet.

Through good and bad, and joy and sorrow, they love each other like Jesus would want. § For more information about Journey Groups and to get connected, visit cccomaha.org/journey-groups.

THE HUB MAGAZINE / CCCOMAHA.ORG

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The 30th Anniversary of Deaf Ministry at Christ Community Church

by Jed Logue

P

icture this. You find yourself in a familiar room filled with people you know and love. Everything feels just as it should—the smells, the furnishings, the floor plan—everything aside from one very alarming difference.

You notice that even though the people in the room are interacting with you and with one another, you cannot perceive any of what they are saying to you and you have no way of communicating

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with them. The languages you are using are completely different! Suddenly a great deal of frustration and anxiety overwhelms you. You want to connect, but because of the language barrier, you are left feeling isolated and alone.

I don’t know if you’ve ever found yourself in a situation quite like the imagined scenario above, but if you’ve ever tried having a conversation with someone

who doesn’t speak your language, you can relate to how challenging it can be. For people like Milton Cabrera, a twelve-year CCC attender and a leader within CCC’s Deaf Ministry, this language barrier had been an everyday reality of his entire life. Milton grew up the only Deaf person in his family and knew very little about God. He recalls looking at picture books of Bible stories but not understanding

any of stories’ meanings. He shared, “I didn’t understand [the stories], but I kept going back to them.”

When Milton was fifteen years old, he moved from his home country of Chile to Nebraska to attend Nebraska School for the Deaf, where he was able to receive an education from teachers who were deaf and used American Sign Language (ASL). One of his friends at the school was a Christian, and he would talk with Milton about Jesus.

Milton shared, “I was so fascinated as I was able to understand Jesus, and once I began to read the stories of the Bible I could recall all the pictures in the books I looked at as a boy.” At 18 years of age, Milton accepted Jesus! This story of life-change is not too common for people in the Deaf and hard-ofhearing community. According to deafmissions.com, the Deaf and hard of hearing are one of the most unreached people groups in the world.

“If you put all the Deaf people in the world in one country, it would be the third most populated country in the world. Only 2% of these Deaf people around the globe have been introduced to Jesus.”

Thankfully, Milton is part of the 2%, but being a Deaf person in hearing churches left Milton feeling isolated. He also saw that other Deaf people felt isolated in hearing churches. They would come and go because there were not very

many other Deaf people with whom to build relationships. Many of the Deaf ministries Milton saw at churches didn’t flourish, so the churches eventually stopped offering the ministry. When Milton visited CCC in 2005, he felt God’s leading to get involved and be part of the leadership within the Deaf Ministry here. There were many Deaf people at CCC and Milton felt a deep sense of community with them. The Deaf community felt like a family to him. However, he noticed that many hearing people were leading the Deaf Ministry. Milton wondered, “Why aren’t the Deaf leading this ministry? What are my skills? How can I contribute to the ministry?” Milton heard God say to him, “Stay.” Milton says, “I felt called to be involved and serve as a leader.”

This year, the Deaf Ministry celebrates their 30th anniversary at CCC. Throughout this time, God has brought many Deaf and hard-of-hearing people into the ministry, provided interpreters, raised up Deaf leaders, and many have come to know Jesus and continued to grow as a result! One of the key leaders who helped start the Deaf Ministry, Mary K. Kimmons, recently went home to be with Jesus, but the foundation that she and many others helped to establish lives on.

Milton sees a continued vision as God keeps moving this ministry forward.

He says, “Mark 7:31 talks about healing

Only 1 in 50 Deaf people follow Jesus the Deaf, so when I read that I was really impacted. Many Deaf don’t know the Lord. Many families do not sign.

How are they going to know about the Lord? That’s what we need to do. We need to keep reaching out. We are figuring out how we can be more involved in the Church as a whole. The Deaf can and should be involved in leadership, in doing and in serving.”

Milton also shared that he longs to see the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community connect with those who can hear. He wants to promote togetherness.

He shared that sometimes people seem like they are scared or unsure of how to engage with the Deaf and hard-ofhearing community. Connecting can be as simple as waving hello or even learning a few signs. Milton says, “We have chosen to attend a hearing church, and we want to be part of the community here. We may need a little extra support, but we can do whatever God has called us to do.” § Jed Logue is a Worship Leader at CCC.

Deaf Ministry's Adult Sunday School Class •

THE HUB MAGAZINE / CCCOMAHA.ORG

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a story of hope and redemption

by Joe Jensen

From the very first moment I met Kim Ramm, I knew she had a special story to tell. The look in her eyes and the sound of her voice spoke volumes— old chapters of pain, turmoil, and despair; fresh, new pages of hope, joy, and redemption.

“I want to get baptized,” she told me.

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“Awesome! What’s led you to make that decision?” I asked her.

“Jesus has saved me! He’s given me joy and peace. I never truly had that until I met Him.” So in front of hundreds of people at Christ Community Church on February 19, 2017, Kim Ramm professed her faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized.

Hope from despair. Beauty from ashes. Condemnation to redemption.

This is Kim’s story…

Kim was raised in an Irish Catholic family and was the fourth of six kids.

They were Catholic by name but not really by faith. Her father was an alcoholic, her mother had constant health issues that never allowed her to be much of a mom. They did their best, but their best wasn’t much as Kim and her siblings often had to fend for themselves. Eventually they divorced, leaving Kim feeling alone and confused. Those emotions would turn to anger and frustration as she became a teenager.

She became a runaway and would be committed to a home for troubled teen girls until she turned 18.

Kim’s childhood was a mess, filled with pain as she suffered the consequences of her parents’ mistakes and her own bad choices. As she entered adulthood, I wish I could say Kim’s life got better. It didn’t. She got married right away at 19 and had 3 kids. Her youngest almost died of spinal meningitis. Her husband, an addict, would drain their accounts and take everything they had of value. Kim didn’t know what to do, so she decided she had enough, took the kids, and left.

Kim was empty. There was something missing that a husband couldn’t fix and kids couldn’t fill. She tried to fill the void with work. With relationships.

With anything she thought would make her feel better. She longed to feel whole.

She wanted to believe there was a God who was out there, waiting for her to come home. She just had no clue how to find Him. Kim was completely lost and alone.

Kim would remarry and divorce again. The downward spiral continued as she made bad choices and tried to

find redemption for those choices in her career. The problem was she never found it there or anywhere else she looked, for that matter.

And if Kim didn’t find ways to further damage her life, circumstances outside her control certainly would.

One in particular would be utterly devastating—Kim was raped. And as a result of the rape, she became pregnant.

Although she gave up that baby for adoption, that terrible act perpetrated upon her would haunt her for years to come.

Kim would remarry once again in 1996, this time for good, to a guy named Stephen. It wasn’t easy, as they both struggled with the baggage from their past: Kim’s ovarian cancer in 1998, the bad choices that would almost sink their marriage for good. But something was different. Instead of giving up and throwing in the towel, Kim and Stephen decided to make things work, only this time Kim knew she/they couldn’t do it alone. They needed help. This is what drew her to Christ Community Church.

Since first coming to CCC, Kim has found healing through many of the Care Network and Renewal classes and groups that meet at the church. Their marriage was saved and became stronger as she and Stephen got involved in a Journey Group and began attending Sunday morning services on a regular basis. Kim found joy in serving as she started collecting furniture and clothing for poor and needy families as a result of the Love Can series this past spring.

And more than anything, Kim discovered a new identity and a new purpose in life. She is no longer defined by her past. She is no longer haunted by the terrible things that were done to her or foolish mistakes she’s made in her life.

“I’m a new creation. I’m brandnew. I’m a child of God!” These are Kim’s words as she reflects on her story, one of hope, grace, and redemption. Kim was lost but now is found. She was bound but now is free. She was running away from God but now has found her home in Jesus and at Christ Community Church.

• Kim's baptism at CCC on February 19, 2017 • Kim and her husband, Stephen

And although the circumstances of her story are extreme, Kim is not that much different than you or me. All of us have a similar story to tell, a story of how God saved us and redeemed us. May the courage and strength that Kim demonstrated in telling her story inspire and challenge us all to do the same as we share the love of Jesus with a lost and broken world. § Joe Jensen is the Executive Pastor of Arts, Discipleship, and Residency at CCC.

THE HUB MAGAZINE / CCCOMAHA.ORG

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by Allison Dykhouse

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” —Ephesians 3:20 “Paul’s petition for the people of Ephesus is that they would have the confidence to ask boldly of God. The God who can do so much more than we can imagine will do so if you ask. So don’t hold back. Ask God, listen, and do all that he asks.” At the beginning of the High School Ministry mission trip to the Dominican Republic, Envision Dominican Republic leader Brandon Nutter gave a charge to the students: pray boldly! And did we ever pray bold prayers: for our week, for the people of the Dominican Republic, and for ourselves. God answered so many of those bold prayers during the week. We saw 141 lives take the step from death to life. Two people were physically healed and hundreds more heard the story of God's love for them.

We know that he hears our prayers and expect that he will continue to answer the prayers still being lifted up.

Our team prayed that every student and leader would be a blessing in all we did and to everyone we met. Adam, one of the Envision interns whom we worked with throughout the week, shared that the CCC team was a blessing to the Envision staff and interns. “For the largest group we have had, this was the easiest week.” Throughout the week, the students worked hard, listened well to leaders, continually asked how they could help, and were always on time for the buses to leave!

While serving in the DR, our team helped with construction projects for the Christian and Missionary Alliance Dominican Republic National camp and local churches, hosted three Vacation Bible Schools and one Sports Camp, and went on prayer walks throughout local villages. While at the C&MA camp, our team worked 36

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alongside C&MA pastors to prepare land for a building project. On Monday, the first day of work, the students worked hard bailing out water and mud from holes that would become the footers for a new building. By Tuesday, water and mud had returned to the holes. Without complaining, the students dove right in and did the exact same work as the previous day. By the end of the week, the team was able to pour the first cement footer. This camp is the fruition of a prayer prayed thirty-five years ago by a former C&MA Dominican Republic president. High School Pastor Brad Mock and Worship Leader Jed Logue, who led worship for the team during the trip, spent time listening to the pastors share about their lives and churches. The pastors shared several tangible needs of their churches, and at the end of the week, CCC students put together a donation to give to the pastors. The money raised allowed one pastor to purchase a generator for his church so that the church's fans and lights will stay on during service, even when the power controlled by the government isn't running. The same offering also paid off a loan another Dominican church had with a bank for materials used in a building project from another CCC mission team.

Several of the groups of students and leaders went to other sites to help pastors with the building projects for their churches. Students carried cement blocks and sand up to the second floor of churches and began cementing blocks in place. The work done will create more space for ministry in those churches. Many of the congregants who visited the churches were thankful for the work and amazed that American youth could work so hard to get so much

done in a short period of time. The growing respect for the students’ work ethic and a desire to know why Americans were there became another way the students could share God’s story.

After a morning of hard work sweating through the first set of clothes, everyone took turns eating lunch and changing quickly in outhouses. Teams went to four villages where they held Vacation Bible Schools and a teen Sports Camp.

Serving at the VBS and Sports Camp was the highlight of many students' week. Some enjoyed playing basketball, baseball, and frisbee with the kids; others loved leading songs like “Down In My Heart” and “Jesus Loves Me;” and some thrived on telling Bible stories and sharing testimonies through a translator. Even the most tired students perked up at the sight of excited kids waiting for them to arrive at the villages each day and were energized for the next three hours of play.

In each village, students met the pastors and church families to hear about the culture of the villages and their biggest prayer needs. One village had been asking the government to fix the broken power lines. Tangled knots of power lines touched standing water in the streets and hung next to windows, blocking both the view and airflow. The government heard that a group of Americans were coming to the area and sent out a team to begin the repairs the week we were there.

One of the most intimidating pieces of the trip for both students and leaders were the prayer walks that happened in each village. Alongside a church elder or pastor, the students went door-to-door sharing the gospel and • • •

Title Art: logo by Elizabeth Bartz, photo by Ty Richardson Top: the HSM DR team at the beach (photo by Allison Dykhouse) Bottom Left: Kayla Gornell at Vacation Bible School (photo by Chloe Smith)

praying for families. Often, the pastor or elder had a specific family that they wanted to visit and pray over. Students also shared their own testimonies. Through these walks, many families heard and accepted the grace and forgiveness offered by God. One family had three generations hear the gospel that week, and four of those family members prayed to accept Jesus as Savior. We gave the church money to buy that family a Bible so that they can learn about the character of God! This is just one story of many of God answering bold prayers asked of him that week.

One morning, we felt God asking us to pray for physical healing on the prayer walks that afternoon. Later that day, we encountered three families who asked for physical or relational healing. The students laid hands on the individual and families to pray. The following day, we were told that two physical healings had occurred. One of the women healed came to the VBS later that week to hear more about God. Through this trip, God has shown us that he is not done calling people to himself and healing people who are suffering. He is on the move and is using those who are willing to be used. While in the Dominican Republic, we saw God working in the lives of many people, including three of our own students who felt God calling them to a future in missions. Our God can do immeasurably more than we can hope or imagine. Join us in praying bold prayers for the people of the Dominican Republic, for our missionaries around the globe, for the students of this generation, and for each one of us to pray the bold prayers we have been holding back. § Allison Dykhouse is the High School Director at CCC. •

•

Bottom Center: Osato (an Envision intern), Christian Troia, and Courtney Neilson at the DR C&MA Camp (photo by Ty Richardson) Bottom Right: Eli Hustad at Vacation Bible School (photo by Chloe Smith)

THE HUB MAGAZINE / CCCOMAHA.ORG

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by Craig Walter

As a dad with adult children (25, 22, and 17), Christmas feels different to my wife and me than when our children were little. We have such fun memories of our kids when they were younger, and the excitement of buying them special Christmas presents and the excitement they had as they opened them are lifetime memories. The reality is that for many families who live in poverty, Christmas ends up being the exact opposite. Moms, dads, and grandparents living in poverty feel the stress of wondering if they can afford to buy their kids anything. Many families will actually skip making their rent or house payment in December so they can buy gifts for their kids. For families living in poverty, the Christmas season can be the hardest time of year. Often they have a choice: give the kids almost nothing or take free handouts from community organizations and well-meaning people, so their children or grandchildren don’t feel left out. The first choice feels cold and sad, but the second choice brings shame and embarrassment. Isn’t there a better way for families?

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Over the last several years as Christ Community Church has continued our work in the 33 neighborhoods in North Omaha called Village One, we have been trying to find that better way. We have searched for a way to bring parents, grandparents, and those providing care for children in Village One a way to bring Christmas to their families at a reasonable cost while maintaining the dignity we all deserve. In 2016, CCC took a huge faithfilled risk and launched the first ever Better Together Christmas Store. In partnership with our friends from Bridge Church (also known as Abide), we asked the people of CCC to fill the store with gifts for children from birth through 12 years old. CCC responded with typical overwhelming generosity and we collected over 1,200 items like bikes, Barbie dolls, toys, games, and more. We then invited families from the Village One neighborhoods to visit the store and purchase items for their children at a 70% discount.

“The dignity this brought to families was even greater than we hoped for,” shared CCC Pastor Eric Carpenter.

“To be able to pick out gifts for their kids and pay for those items with their own money was huge. We saw lots of people in tears.” Eric recalled a bunch of great stories, like one couple who was so thankful because they were able to find the exact Easy-Bake Oven that their daughter had wanted all year long.

There was the grandmother who showed up with $120 to buy gifts for all six of her grandchildren who lived with her.

Not only did she go home with amazing gifts for her grandchildren, like a bicycle

She was grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with those families and invite them again to be a part of Bridge.

“This store was worth it a thousand times over,” shared Rosie. “We weren’t sure how it would go or if this would be a good thing, but now I can’t wait to do it again.”

Be on the lookout this fall for the Better Together Christmas Store 2017.

This year we will have one store, but the store will be located in two different places to reach more people. The store in Village One will be located at Mission Church, a new Christian & Missionary Alliance church plant

and dolls, she didn’t have to spend all her money to do it. Rosie Schuman, a member of Bridge Church who lives in Village One, said, “I worked at the front desk where people would come in, and all I saw were tears of joy and relief.

When the spiritual becomes practical, it’s powerful!” Rosie shared how there were several families from Village One who had been attending Bridge Church, but had not been there in some time.

in Village One led by our good friend Pastor Myron Pierce. Mission Church officially starts in September, so the Better Together Christmas Store will be a great way to introduce them to the community. Pastor Myron said, “To get hundreds of people from Village One to come into our church where we can throw love all over them—we’re excited about that.” The second store will be located on the Better Together Campus

Brenda Hurt and Mike Oestmann volunteer at the Better Together Christmas Store in 2016 •

• Volunteers wrap a gift at the store

where Bridge Church is now located, just a little over a mile away from the original location. “We’re really excited to bring the store to our neighborhoods by the campus. These are some of the most forgotten neighborhoods in our city, so any chance we have to bring dignity and show love is a huge win,” said Rosie.

Once again, we anticipate needing up to 100 volunteers to help run the store and over 1,000 gifts to fill the inventory for these two locations.

Recalling the store last year, Pastor Eric shared, “I’m always amazed at how generous the people of CCC are with their time and money. We ended up with over 1,200 gifts. I just couldn’t believe it. We only needed 100 volunteers to help with the store, but we had 175 people sign up. We were really blessed.”

The Better Together Christmas Store is an amazing opportunity for the entire Village One community to be introduced to Mission Church and for Bridge Church to impact their neighbors. We are truly better when we work together.

Please pray the store will be an effective opportunity to attract people into the arms of Jesus. § Craig Walter is the Director of Missions at CCC. The Better Together Christmas Store 2017 launches this November. Donation lists for the store will be available at the CCC Info Center in October. For more information about the store and to volunteer, contact Craig Walter at craigw@cccomaha.org or Eric Carpenter at ericc@cccomaha.org.

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MINISTRIES, GROUPS, CLASSES, & SERVICES OFFERED AT CCC

GUEST INFO

Contact: Jessica Hawley / jessicah@cccomaha.org Looking for information? Stop at one of the Info Centers and pick up a welcome packet. For a complete list of events, ministries, staff listing, and more, visit cccomaha.org.

Old Mill / 404 S 108th Ave / Omaha, NE 68154 / 402.330.3360 Online / cccomaha.tv / Sundays / 9 & 10:45 AM

KIDS CONNECT

Contact: Kathy McKelvey / kathym@cccomaha.org Ages birth–Grade 5 / Sundays / 9 & 10:45 AM Family is Primary God has given parents the incredible responsibility of impressing a love for God on the hearts of their children (Deuteronomy 6:5–7). These impressions best occur as a natural overflow from the lives of parents who are seeking to love the Lord with their own hearts, souls, and strength.

Sunday Morning Children join a group of kids their age or grade level. Kids from birth– kindergarten may stay for two sessions (9 & 10:45 AM), while students in grades 1–5 attend one session only. This fosters relationships with other kids and allows them to attend worship with parents during the other hour.

American Heritage Girls Contact Jenny Lundgren / jrdlundgren@gmail.com A Christian scouting organization for girls K–12th grade. Building women of integrity through service to God, family, community, and country.

Mondays / 6:30–8 PM Trail Life USA Contact Chris Brooks / chrisb@cccomaha.org A Christian scouting organization for boys K–12th grade. Scouting, leadership, and adventure.

Mondays / 7–8:30 PM

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Baby Dedications Contact Kathy / kathym@cccomaha.org Baby Dedications are held quarterly at Christ Community Church. For more info or to sign up, contact Kathy or sign up online at cccomaha.org/babydedications.

KIDS CLUBS

Contact: Kathy McKelvey / kathym@cccomaha.org or visit cccomaha.org/kids Wednesdays / 6:30–8 PM Kids will learn about God through Bible memorization, lessons, games, crafts, and activities. Kids Clubs meet September to April and are self-funded through annual dues.

AWANA / CUBBIES (Ages 3–4) Cubbies communicates basic truths about God, Jesus Christ, salvation, and the Bible through Scripture memorization, handbook lessons, awards, games, and activities.

AWANA / SPARKS (Grades K–2) Sparks meet in small groups to focus on Scripture memorization. In large group, they experience upbeat music and singing, Bible teaching and instruction, and age-appropriate games.

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB (Grades 3–5) Kids gather in small groups where life-long friendships can begin. A club meeting is divided into three segments: Bible teaching, age-appropriate crafts or team games, and small group time. Each Bible lesson is accompanied by a Scripture memory verse.

STUDENT MINISTRY

Contact: Elizabeth Bartz / elizabethb@cccomaha.org

Student Ministry exists to help students know Jesus every day and live their lives for him at home, at school, and in the community.

Large Group Gatherings Gather Sundays for music, teaching, games, discussions, friendship, and good food in the café (year-round).

Grades 6–8 / Sunday Mornings at the Student Center / 9 AM Grades 9–12 / Sunday Nights at the Student Center / 6–8 PM

Student Journey Groups Ask honest questions, study Scripture, be invested in by a Christ-following adult, and share life with a small group of peers as you develop deep and lasting friendships (August–April).

Grades 6–8 / Sundays / 6–8 PM / Atrium Grades 9–12 / Sundays / 6–8 PM / Student Center Sunday Mornings / 9 AM & 10:45 AM / Worship Center & Gym To help students develop deep faith and a greater sense of community, we encourage them to serve and worship alongside Christians of different ages and backgrounds.

Opportunities to serve can be found online at cccomaha.org/hsm.

Events and Retreats Visit cccomaha.org/events to discover the life-changing events, trips, and retreats offered by Student Ministry.

8:08 / COLLEGE Contact: Glenn Lawson / glennl@cccomaha.org

8:08 is a community of college-age students (18–24) who are passionate about loving God, each other, and the city. Whether you’re walking intimately with Jesus or just have questions about who God is, get connected in the 8:08 College Community.

Thursdays / 8:08 PM / Student Center Facebook 8:08 College Community / Stay in the loop with 8:08 happenings and share with your friends.

Instagram / 808CCC College Journey Groups Various locations & meeting times.

Visit cccomaha.org/college for details.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

Contact: Lisa Ashton / lisaa@cccomaha.org

The CCC ministry to young professionals engages through authentic community and opportunities for spiritual growth.

Comprised of young professionals, typically single or married, no kids.

MINISTRIES, GROUPS, CLASSES, & SERVICES OFFERED AT CCC

MEN

WOMEN

Contact Reid Brown / reidb@cccomaha.org

Contact Terry Carpenter / terryc@cccomaha.org

CCC increases Kingdom impact by engaging, equipping, and encouraging men to discover godly manhood. Men are committed to go all-in alongside other men in Journey Groups, Bible studies, Renewal Groups, and serving.

Women's Ministry at CCC offers small groups, Bible studies, and events that will help you develop a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and other women.

Council Bluffs Group Contact Dave Piercy / piercy@cox.net or Steve Irwin / sirvin@frontiernet.net Tuesdays / 6–7:30 AM / Panera Bread / 3617 Denmark Dr, Council Bluffs Discuss and study the Bible over coffee weekly. Join if you are in the Council Bluffs area.

Journey Men Contact Greg VanderVost / gdvandervost@yahoo.com Tuesdays / 7 PM / E240 Helping men connect with other men through discussion-based learning and solid teaching. Begin the journey anytime.

Noble Men Contact Jim Ratte / jrnuke@cox.net Fridays / 6:15–7:30 AM / I-188 Noble Men is an ongoing Friday morning group at CCC.

fellowship options for those with hearing impairments.

Interpreted Service / 10:45 AM Worship Center / Seating is up front and to the right of the center aisle Deaf Class / 9 AM / C118

Bible Studies Contact Willyne Dickey / willyne@cox.net

Deaf Men’s Bible Study / Wednesdays / 6:30–8:30 PM

For a list of current Women's Bible studies and to sign up, visit cccomaha.org/wbs.

Deaf Women’s Bible Study / Wednesdays / 6:30–8:30 PM

Point of Hope Contact Eva Rhoades or Emily McGaha / christcommunitypoh@gmail.com

Do you need an interpreter or are you interested in learning ASL? Contact Jan Ohlsson / janohls@cox.net

Sundays / 10:45 AM / E240 A positive environment for single moms to grow alongside each other, with encouragement and life-giving discipleship.

Women of all ages and stages of spiritual growth are welcome.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

DEAF MINISTRY

Contact: Milton Cabrera / cccdeafministry@gmail.com or visit cccomaha.org/deaf-ministry Deaf Ministry exists to help Deaf people understand Jesus Christ so they can accept him as Savior and grow in relationship with Him. CCC offers a variety of

International Community Contact Mark Carlson / markcarlson51@gmail.com Sundays / 10:45 AM / D226 A community of people who share a love for internationals, diverse cultures, and a desire to grow in their relationship with God. Includes prayer, Bible discussion, and sharing life together.

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MINISTRIES, GROUPS, CLASSES, & SERVICES OFFERED AT CCC

English Conversation Class Contact Brittni Donahue / ccc.conversationclass@gmail.com

Make an impact for the Kingdom Make a difference by serving together in the city or participating in CCC’s partnerships around the world.

Love and Respect For upcoming class dates, visit cccomaha.org/events or contact Sue / sue@vandenbrinkpkg.com

Wednesdays / 6:30–8 PM Designed to reach out to the international community at UNMC and UNO. This group needs teachers for conversational lessons with 1 to 3 students.

HOW DO I JOIN A JOURNEY GROUP? Groups are available on Sunday morning during services or in neighborhoods throughout the week.

Biblical teaching for individuals or couples who are married, divorced, single, or engaged to learn to communicate in a manner that builds mutual understanding between genders.

Visit Connect in the Atrium Meet staff and volunteers who will help you find Journey Groups in your neighborhood.

Atrium / After 9 & 10:45 AM services

Hitched Contact Bill & Teri Meier / 402.556.8468 or 402.677.5888 / wrm890@cox.net

JOURNEY GROUPS

To learn more about Journey Groups or to join a group, visit cccomaha.org/journey-groups.

Journey Groups are where real life happens together. Meet regularly to study, pray, and grow with others. Belong to a community, be transformed by the Gospel, and be on mission for the people in the city.

WHY JOIN A JOURNEY GROUP? Develop friendships with others The smaller group of people gives you the opportunity to form genuine friendships and care for others in times of need.

Grow in your relationship with God The smaller setting allows you to dig deeper into Scripture and ask questions in a discussion-based format. Interact with and learn from others.

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Journey Group Locator Search for groups in your area based on type and meeting time online at cccomaha.org/journey-groups.

MARRIAGE

Marriage Matters Visit cccomaha.org/weddings Planning on engagement or marriage in the next year? Learn how to have a healthy marriage. Marriage Matters is a 6-week session offered throughout the year.

Class Date Wedding Date 2017 Sept–Oct 2018 Jan–May 2018 Feb–March 2018 June–Aug 2018 May–June 2018 Sept–Nov

Sundays / 9 AM / Designed to help young married couples by providing tools, support, and connection with other couples to further your relationship.

BOOMERS & BEYOND

Contact Paul Gedden / paulg@cccomaha.org

SUNDAY MORNINGS Dayspring / 7:45 AM Cross-generational class that welcomes singles and couples for challenging teaching, ministry projects, missionary support, and care groups.

Kingdom Builders / 9 AM Boomers and up join for prayer, fellowship, biblical teaching, and learning the Word together.

MINISTRIES, GROUPS, CLASSES, & SERVICES OFFERED AT CCC

Thankful Hearts / 9 AM Boomers and up focus on Bible study, friendship, life application, and growing in relationship with Jesus Christ.

Ambassadors / 10:45 AM Caring and praying seniors focus on strong biblical teaching with love for Christ, missionaries, and our nation.

Ecclesia / 10:45 AM Seniors begin with worship and refreshments, and then move to studying Scripture, with time for discussion.

Spiritually Advancing Linked Together (SALT) / 10:45 AM Boomers and seniors are welcome for fellowship, prayer, the study of God’s Word, and class socials.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES

Contact Sue Beed / 402.938.1570 Senior Lunch & Fellowship First Tuesday of the month 11:30 AM / CCC / $6 Seniors Breakfast Second Tuesday of the month / 8:30 AM The Egg & I / 147th & Maple Enjoy breakfast and encouragement.

Super Adults Third Tuesday of the month 9:30 AM / CCC / $6 Coffee over fellowship, a program

featuring a guest speaker, and a delicious meal.

Stamp Ministry Fridays / 8–11 AM / D127 Come join in the work and fellowship.

CARE NETWORK

Everyone has defining moments in their lives—challenging circumstances, relational pain, and transitional seasons. How we respond during these times has a direct impact on our futures and the future of those around us.

The Care Network at CCC is a multi-disciplinary team of caregivers who are passionate about providing an environment and relationships to help people heal and grow. Developed by pastors, trained counselors, and professional licensed counselors, the Care Network is committed to helping people find healing and wholeness amidst the challenges of life.

Professional Counseling Contact CityCare / 402.916.9421 / info@citycarecounseling.org CityCare Counseling exists to provide effective professional counseling for those who are seeking excellent care with a distinctly Christian perspective. For more info, visit citycarecounseling.org.

Pastoral Counseling Contact Sue Beed / 402.938.1570 / sueb@cccomaha.org These services are provided by the pastoral staff and pastoral counselors trained to provide biblical advice or spiritual counsel to those in need. Financial counseling is also available.

Healing Prayer Contact Sue Beed / 402.938.1570 / sueb@cccomaha.org Immanuel Prayer is practical training in deepening your intimacy with God so relational barriers and painful life experiences can be resolved. Formational Prayer creates an environment where people find relief from emotional pain through a personal encounter with God. Caring Partners Contact Doni Gregory / 402.938.1512 / donig@cccomaha.org Serves those in need of temporary assistance by distributing designated funds as an expression of God’s love. The Oil Change Ministry and on-site food pantry are also part of Caring Partners.

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MINISTRIES, GROUPS, CLASSES, & SERVICES OFFERED AT CCC

Silver Tsunami Contact Paul Gedden / 402.938.1574 / paulg@cccomaha.org

your life and stimulate on-going growth; nurturing choices that consistently delight God.

Ministry to the elderly, infirm, those with dementia, the sick, and the dying. Prepares people for building relationship through weekly visits, caring, listening, and sharing the gospel. Training every fall.

Visit cccomaha.org/renewal or contact Marc M / 402.938.1577 / marcm@cccomaha.org

Stephen Ministers Contact Paul Gedden / 402.938.1574 / paulg@cccomaha.org People trained to provide confidential, one-on-one care to those experiencing difficulty in life such as grief, divorce, job loss, aging, spiritual crisis, chronic or terminal illness, relocation, or separation due to military deployment.

SPIRITUAL FORMATION

The ongoing transformation of your life through experiential discovery.

Restarting: Rewire Your Brain for Joy God built us to thrive on relational joy with him and others. Life’s difficulties can leave us hungry for joy. Restarting teaches how to quiet distractions like cravings, addictions, and depression. Learn rightbrain-based relational skills that bring you closer to God and others and discover the Immanuel Process to take your joy training to a new level. Begins 9.5 / 7 PM / $25 / For more info, visit cccomaha.org/renewal Forming: Change by Grace Experience a fresh approach to growth.

Instead of relying on willpower to change, build a relationship with God that changes you from the inside out. Learn how to align your sail to catch the wind of the Spirit through in-class experiential exercises.

Topics include prayer as conversation, solitude, fear, and relational maturity.

Begins 9.7 / 7 PM / $25 / For more info, visit cccomaha.org/renewal Selah Groups Monthly exposure to various spiritual practices such as solitude and silence, formational approaches to the Word, and group spiritual direction in a contemplative prayer group for women that facilitates connection with God. For more info, contact Wendell Nelson / wendelln@cccomaha.org Spiritual Direction Contact Wendell Nelson / 402.938.1573 / wendelln@cccomaha.org A monthly one-on-one meeting to help you notice and savor God’s presence in 44

FALL–WINTER / 2017–2018 / ISSUE 3

RENEWAL GROUPS

Experience renewal in your life by connecting with trained volunteers, professional counselors, and others experiencing similar circumstances. All groups meet at Christ Community Church.

Chemical Dependency Addictions Biblically-based curriculum in a non-judgmental environment.

Restarting Exposure to the brain science of addiction and the importance of secure attachments, with joy-building and quieting exercises.

Sexual Identity & Brokenness Restoration Support and encouragement for those whose loved ones struggle with sexual identity.

Hope After Betrayal Support, hope, and healing for those women whose marriages or relationships have been shattered.

Seeds of Hope Does your past include sexual abuse that continues to creep into present life and relationships? There is hope. This group for women is a safe place to explore the whats & whys, and how to find freedom from the past.

In the Wildflowers A twelve-week course for women about processing and healing from the damage of past sexual abuse. This group is offered to those who have finished Seeds of Hope.

Bloom A group for women who have completed In the Wildflowers to continue their journey of thriving in Christ.

Resolve An entry point for men striving for sexual purity.

Men of Integrity A grace-filled environment to address lust issues along with honesty with self, others, and God.

Career Omaha Career Networking Provides support, tips, and tactics to help you with your job search.

Relationships DivorceCare A friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult challenges.

Love and Respect Biblical teaching for individuals or couples who are married, divorced, single, or engaged to learn to communicate in a manner that builds mutual understanding between genders.

Hannah's Prayer Community of married woman experiencing primary or secondary infertility who provide support and encouragement.

Relationships 101 for Men Learn how to build and maintain healthy, life-giving relationships.

Dude’s Group Face the challenges of life through faith and a deeper understanding of God. GriefShare A support group to foster the journey from mourning to joy amid the chaos of the loss of a loved one.

Life Together (LifT) A group of women with the desire to do the everyday joys and sorrows, victories and failures of life together. Find encouragement for ongoing support.

Friends of Suicide Loss A group for those recovering from losing a friend of family member to suicide.

Overcomers in Christ Would you like to experience victory in your daily life? Experience comfort and hope found in Jesus Christ.

Physical Wholeness Fresh Hope A safe setting for people with mood disorders, or their family members, who desire to incorporate faith into the recovery process.

NAMI Helps families understand and support individuals with mental illness.

MINISTRIES, GROUPS, CLASSES, & SERVICES OFFERED AT CCC

GET CARE.

FIND HOPE. citycarecounseling.org

CityCare Counseling exists to provide effective professional counseling for those who are seeking excellent care with a distinctly Christian perspective. Visit citycarecounseling.org for more information.

LOCATION

The Porch at Old Mill 10845 Harney St. Omaha, NE 68154

HOURS

Monday – Friday 9 AM – 8 PM Saturday & Sunday By appointment only

CONTACT

402.916.9421 www.citycarecounseling.org info@citycarecounseling.org

8.13 Questionable Series Begins

8.20 Kids/Student Ministry Fall Kickoff

8.30 Kids Clubs Volunteer Training

9.6 Kids Clubs Begin*

9.10 Baptism on the Green*

9.10 All-In Series Begins (Life of David, Part 1)

9.17 Foundations Begins (Lasts 3 Weeks)*

10.1 Step Into Village One*

10.8 Beyond Belief † Series Begins (Life of David, Part 2)

10.8 Middle School Dodgeball Grades 6–8**

10.27 Advance Commitment Night for Beyond Belief †*

11.3–5 High School Fall Retreat**

11.3–5 Middle School Fall Retreat**

11.5 Foundations Begins (Lasts 3 Weeks)*

11.12 Church-wide Commitment Night for Beyond Belief †

11.19 Baby Dedications*

12.6 Tis the Season / No Kids Clubs

12.10 Christmas Choir & Orchestra Concert

12.17 High School Ministry Talent Show

12.23–24 Christmas Eve Services

12.27 No Kids Clubs

1.3 No Kids Clubs

1.19 Meltdown Grades 4–5

2.11 Baby Dedications*

2.23–2.24 Thrive: A Gathering for Women**

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

Registration Closes 10.29

DECEMBER

Registration Closes 10.29

9.27 No Kids Clubs

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

For additional up-to-date information, or to pre-register or buy tickets for events, visit cccomaha.org/events.

*Pre-registration is required for these events **Ticketed events † Beyond Belief is a generosity initiative beginning Fall 2017