Dear CCPC Family,

Ecclesiastes 3:1
Time for everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven...

Happy New Year! The New Year holiday is always a time where past, present, and future seem to collide -- thoughts about what the previous year brought, thinking about what's going on right now in our lives, and thinking about what this New Year will bring. I invite you to take some time to reflect about what God might be saying to you as you begin this New Year.

a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted...

As you make your "New Year's Resolutions," remember that there are going to be times when God is calling YOU at that very moment to do that particular task for that particular reason... go for it! However, there are probably things on your plate that you've had on your plate for quite some time. Is God is calling you to let them go?

a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together...

There are often those stones in our lives that weigh us down. Stones that keep us dragging our feet on the ground; discouraging us from every angle. They get in our way and they are too heavy for us to move them by ourselves. However, there are also stones that pile up so that we can reach the things we are called to do. Stones around us that when gathered give us a firm footing and security.

a time to keep silence, and a time to speak...

Words are one of the most powerful gifts we have. Too often we use them to tear people down instead of using them to build each other up. Too often we stand in front of God's voice and speak for ourselves. However, sometimes, God calls us to be that voice that brings clarity, truth, and priceless wisdom, we just need the courage to proclaim the Good News.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven...

God of old and new, as this New Year comes upon uswe pray that You will help us plant
where You would have us plant,pluck up where You would have us pluck up;
help throw away stones that drag us down,and gather stones that give us stability and security.
Give us the right sense to know when to be still and silent,
and to know when You call us to be the voice of reason, wisdom, and truth.
Amen.

Jeremy Cain Wilhelmi
Associate Pastor