From the Pastor

It is difficult for me not to be nostalgic about this past Sunday and our 50th anniversary celebration. I did not get to meet or visit with everyone who came (even my in-laws), but I hope most of you did get to visit with those who came back to be with us. I was particularly reminded by our singing during worship that we had gathered with people who wanted to be here and worship together.

In my opinion, our guests and visitors fed off of your energy and enthusiasm, because you set the tone and the agenda. They recognized your vitality, hospitality, and spirit again, which made coming back and celebrating all the sweeter. I’ve been to a couple of anniversary events where, as guests, we got the distinct impression that the event was more of an imposition than it was a celebration and that was definitely not the case here!

Dani and others reminded us that we have already begun our fifty-first year and that there are still great and important ministries ahead for Community Christian Church. The invitation to be part of those ministries and fellowship will be an ongoing challenge and adventure for us because you never know whom God will direct or redirect our way. There were a number of former active church folks who came Sunday that may become possibilities once again. There were visitors, who were not prior church members, whom God may be calling to us as well. We never know fully what God has before us so we trust, we work and we watch with expectant eyes to see the new directions the Holy Spirit points us toward. We also had the great occasion to be reminded about the numerous ways God has used this congregation to make a difference in (as Carl Zerweck said) “thousands of people’s lives, both locally and beyond.”

Perhaps this 50th observance was not just a celebration and reminiscing about the past, rather it was a call to alertness about the influence we do have and the potential yet to be unleashed. Maybe we need to reflect for a moment that we have too easily lulled ourselves into thinking we are an aging congregation. In fact, we have a fellowship of faith-filled, spiritual veterans who have survived numerous church shipwrecks and disappointments and still press forward with passion and caring determination to share the Good News of Christ. We need to be alert and responsive to the needs around us and mindful of our call so we are not caught off guard by God, or a little kid down on his luck, hitting us in the shins with a yellow plastic baseball bat to get our attention. Enough said! Take the name of Jesus with you this week!

In Christ’s service together wherever He leads,

David

50^th Anniversary Memorabilia

The CCC history and memorabilia will remain on display in the library for the next few weeks.

Congregational Meeting this Sunday

We will have a “short” congregational meeting immediately after morning worship on May 4 to elect our new officers, elders and diaconate members that were approved at the Board Meeting on April 20. The slate of candidates, as presented by the Nominating Committee for the new church year beginning July 1, 2008, will be presented for approval by the congregation. (See Board approved slate below.)

PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND THIS IMPORTANT CONGREGATIONAL MEETING.

The following is the list of candidates approved for the various positions:

Chair of the Board: Larry Fairchild

Vice-Chair of the Board: Linda Fairchild

Secretary: Julie Knecht

(To be reminded of dates for meetings)

Treasurer: Mary Anne Potter

Elders: (for two year terms which expire in June 2010)

Larry Fairchild Mary Anne Potter Lee Cole

Deacons: (for two year terms which expire in June 2010)

Mic Burnett Patty Latham Doris Ricketts

Joan Seawright Cyndy Emmert Ruby Latham

Dick Seawright Colleen Wooten

Deacons: (for one year term which expires in June 2009, filling three vacancies: Amber and Brent Clifford and Sandy Webb.)

Gene Benton Russ Stovall Tracy Burnett

Junior Deacon: (for one year term which expires in June 2009)

Katy Latham

Our 50th Year Celebration

A big Thank You goes to the 50th Year Celebration Committee (Sandy Webb, Judy Whitley, Ken Kellam, Alice Fairchild, Carol Johns and Jerre Roseborough, Chair), as well as the Chairs of our Department Committees, especially Membership—Ruby Latham and Joan Seawright, Worship—Teresa Gafford, Property—Greg Hendrickson, and to all the committee members and others who worked to make it such a huge success! This also includes the chairs of the Elders—Paul Latham and Diaconate—Lee Cole. David Cartwright and Jeannine Frank were very much involved, too. And I know that many of you wore more than one hat. Your work was indeed appreciated.

I know that I speak not for just myself but for the many “former” members as well as our present members: It was a beautiful, heart-felt, up-lifting service and celebration with good food and fellowship enjoyed by all. What a Glorious Day it was!

All who had a part in this work of many should know that your efforts were worth it—the hard work was rewarded with a successful celebration and all in HIS name! With these capabilities and enthusiasm I know that we are off to a good start for the next 50 years.

Thank you all again.

Marvin Rogers

Board Chair

Thanks to Hop Chu

During the 50th celebration dinner, Bill Whitley, Macy Whitley, Amy Whitley Taylor, and Whitley Taylor made a very special presentation to Hop Chu. Macy was one of Hop Chu's babies, now Whitley is one of Hop Chu's babies. They presented Hoppy with a gift from CCC along with sincere appreciation for her more than 30 years as CCC's nursery attendant. Several of Hoppy's family members joined her for the celebration meal: Mr. Tran, daughters Holly and husband David, Kim and husband Patrick and their 2 daughters, and son Tom and wife Joyce and their two sons.

CCC 50th Anniversary Celebration

The membership committee would like to thank the congregation for supporting the potluck lunch with monetary contributions and the wonderful selection of food prepared. We were able to feed the multitudes and had food left.

A special thanks to the committee for setting up for the event and working the kitchen on Sunday. Thanks to Lydia Clemmons for making the table arrangements.

Thanks to the men for setting up the tables on Saturday and to all the men who helped take down the tables and chairs on Sunday. We appreciate everyone’s help in making the 50th anniversary a big success and a day to remember.

Ruby Latham & Joan Seawright

Additional Recognitions

Former choir directors Anne Jenkins and Dr. Richard Morgan also attended the anniversary service. Former organist Diane Driscoll sang in the choir and played organ as I played piano on some hymns and choruses.

Priscilla Long

Thank you

We are grateful to Ruby Latham and Edie Slape for providing the beautiful floral arrangement that made our sanctuary look special for our 50th anniversary celebration. We also want to extend a heartfelt thanks to our secretary, Jeannine Frank, for being a great help in preparing for our big event, and for providing the beautiful flowers at the guest books.

Jerre Roseborough

Memory Cards

If you did not have an opportunity to share a favorite CCC memory, memory cards are still available in the office. Those who were not able to attend the anniversary celebration are encouraged to send a favorite CCC memory to the church office.

Visitor Comments

Dear. Rev. Cartwright

I wanted to tell you right away how impressed I was with the service for Community Christian’s Fiftieth Anniversary. I enjoyed hearing Dr. Murph speak, and I was honored to hear the good words about Network.

I was so surprised to find out that I knew so many people in your congregation. It made me feel part of the family. Scott and Priscilla Long are my good friends, and I really enjoyed the funny story Dr. Murph told about their son, Wesley.

I look forward to meeting with you again at your church. The time I spent with your congregation was so pleasant that I am anxious to repeat it. Thank you for the enjoyable morning of wonderful music, prayer, communion, and fellowship.

Sincerely,

Alice Mae Britt, CEO

The Network of Community Ministries

P.S. The lunch was great, too!

Dear Reverend Cartwright & Friends,

What a lovely celebration at Community Christian Church! The Striegler family enjoyed every minute. It was such a privilege for us to be included.

Please share our word of thanks with each and everyone that made the event so special.

We join in wishing many blessings on your beautiful congregation.

Warmest personal regards,

Betsy & John Striegler

To all our CCC friends,

Jack and I wish all of you the best as you celebrate CCC’s 50^th anniversary. We are happy to have been a part of the festivities.

CCC will always have a special place in our hearts. Thank you for inviting us to share in this special occasion.

Jack & Karen (Wolfe) Lamb

May Anniversaries

Judy & Gerald Bush May 5, 1962

Liz & Harry Metrik May 12, 1984

Dick & Jan Loughry May 18, 1996

May Birthdays

3 Mary Anne Potter

7 Gene Benton

13 Rob Potter

14 David Cartwright

16 Brittany Fairchild

Jo Ann McGoodwin

19 George Stovall

24 Ken Kellam

Mic Burnett

29 Amelia Latham

30 D.J. Burnett

If you have an anniversary or birthday in May and your name is not listed, please call the church office at 972-234-4571 and give Jeannine the correct date

55 Plus Meeting

The 55+ group meets in the church library the first Wednesday of every month at 1:00 p.m. We usually play “chicken foot,” a domino game that a large group can play. If you have another game you enjoy, come and introduce it to us. Come and join us for fun and fellowship. We are looking forward to seeing you at our next meeting, May 7, 2008.

Mother’s Day Breakfast

Ladies, we are in for a big treat on Mother’s Day. The men of our church are going to prepare breakfast for us. A suggestion of cereal was made, but I think it will possibly be pancakes and sausage! Everyone plan to come on Sunday morning, May 11, at 9:00 a.m. for a special treat.

CCC Stitchers

Stitchers meet monthly at 6:00 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month. Come stitch with us at our May 14, 2008 meeting

Audrey Altnether

Luke Altnether

Ken & Angi Altnether

Rebecca Baker

Clay & Janice Bartel

Ken & Gail Bell

Alice Britt

Kim (Tran) & Patrick Busato

Jessica Busato

Megan Busato

Gerald & Judy Bush

Sean Canon

Valerie Plummer-Canon

Ford & Becky Cartwright

Eunice & Ron Cheshire

Helen Coon

Sarah Coon

Kelly & Laban De Lay

Addison De Lay

Austin De Lay

Al & Betsy Delgado

Elizabeth Delgado

Winfield & Charlene Deming

Kristi & Sandro De Santo

Diane Driscoll

Eric Eads

Patti Eads

Robert & Lisa Eads

Robbie Eads

Ashley Eads

Mary Karyl (Mee) Ehlert

Kody Ehlert

Kolton Ehlert

Kay Ellis

Peggy Embler

Gwen Embler-Mcternen

Ann & Jerry Erwin

Leon & Cheryl Fairchild

Debb Faulk

Harry Forbes

Jeannine Frank

Geoffrey Gafford

Harrold & Mary Jo Grogan

Linda & Larry Hahn

Patti Haney

Norma (Walker) Harrison

Bettye (Winkler) & David Hodges

Barbara & David Horn

Cory Houghton

Ryan Houghton

Tyler J. Howard

Rita & Bernie Humphrey

Ann Jenkins

Bob & Nancy Kerstetter

Shauna Karstetter

Bill Kaufman

Angela Kaufman-Poehlman

Jack Poehlman

Bill & Jane Keene

Ken Kellam III

Steve & Mary Ann Kellam

Caroline Kellam

David Kellam

Mike & June Lairsen

Jack Lamb

Margaret Lamb

Tracy Loi

Ann Long

Dan & Randy Loving

Rev. Tim & Peggy Mabbott

Jane McCreary

June Clarke McManus

Jeff McPherson

Samantha McPherson

Barb McRaney

Cookie & Derrick Mee

Will & Robin Mee

Mallory Mee

Alyssa Mee

Linda Miller

Sammye Jo Miller

Julie Miller

Jerry & Sue Morgan

Dr. Richard & Kathy Morgan

Kristen Nance

Doug & Marcia Newport

Bill & Lynn Nunley

Joel & Veronica Penrod

Elijah Penrod

Noa Penrod

Sally Peters

Audrey Plummer

Arthur Roberts

Rick & Judy Roseborough

Rev. Larry Ross

Gary Seigrist

Mark Slaight

Kevin Steede

Judy Stempel

John & Betsy Striegler

Jonathan Striegler

Spencer Striegler

Holly (Tran) & David Studebaker

Jan & Ean Sullivan

Wayne & Karen Suttle

Dee & Tom Tischer

Mr. Tran (Hop Chu’s husband)

Tom & Joyce Tran & 2 Sons

Monica Wallek

Jim Webb

Chris Wells

Jackson Wells

Max & Margaret Wells

J. David Williams

Karen Wolfe

Donna Wright

Carl Zerweck

Worship Attendance 04/20/08 87

Visitors 22

Rebecca Baker Clay & Janice Bartel

Olive Coe Helen Coon

Sara Coon Kelly & Laban De Lay

Addison De Lay Austin De Lay

Charlene Deming Debb Faulk

Caroline Kellam David Kellam

Cory Houghton Dottie & Ryan Houghton

Steven & Diane O’Brien Victoria Schiller

Alden & Barbara Schiller

Worship Attendance 04/27/08 248

Visitors 159

Listed on page 6

Financial Report

(Budgeted weekly revenue: $3,106.06)

Receipts for 04/20/08 $2,213.00

Receipts for 04/27/08 $4,988.41

Memorial Gifts

In Memory of From

Evorah McPherson Friendship Class

Ken & Elaine Kellam