CCY Connect june 2025 edition

My favorite verse, the one I’d like to be described by, is 1 Corinthians 13:4 - Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

The first two descriptions of Love are actionable: be patient, be kind. The third word it’s something not to do, ENVY.

What is Envy - “Envy is the painful or resentful awareness of another person's advantages or possessions, combined with a desire to have the same. It can also refer to the feeling of wanting what someone else has, whether it's a quality, skill, or achievement."

Coveting is a powerful emotion that can lead to sin.

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.” – Philippians 4:11-12

Shouldn’t we just be happy with what we have? Some are so jealous if someone else gets something they don’t, like a promotion, gift, spouse and so on, the list is endless of things to be envious of. This goes right back to being happy, joyful where you are. I have a couple friends that went to the Caribbean Island of Dominica, an extremely poor country, to do some work. Their comments were eye opening to me. They stated that they have never seen happier people. Very poor, very happy children. Why do you think that is? I believe it’s because they haven’t been convinced that they need everything that someone else has. Satan wants us unhappy, needy, envious. So, he tells us to look at what they have, a perfect marriage, a superstar wife, husband, money. If I just had what they have I’d be happy!

I have seen and met many that seem to have it all, and they are unhappy, especially if they are envious of others. Typically, they don’t have Jesus in their hearts, so they chase things that they have been convinced will make them happy.

Some folks are envious because they don’t want anyone else to be happy. They want to pull you down in the gutter with them. God wants us to be joyful with whatever situation that we are in. I don’t believe He wants us to live destitute and always having bad things happen to us. But I do think we should have Faith and be patient that we are living in God’s plan. Blooming where we are, showing others that we are believers. Most of the time someone asks you about how you handle life with all that it dishes out, it’s not because you are handling wealth and great things well, it’s because your handling bads things well. Leaning on God instead of material things when the going is tough.

I also think we should strive to better ourselves at the same time, get a better job. Pick out a Godly spouse, get an education. We just must realize that “things won’t make you happy. To me Envy is caused by Pride, the sin that leads to so many other sins. Enjoy the little things, the laughter of a child, God’s beautiful sunsets.

If you have Jesus, then you are already rich! It’s a free gift, eternal life and joy! Be joyful with where you are. Be the person that is happy when someone achieves something you would like.

“The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” – Psalms 23:1

I love summer. The longer days, the slower mornings, and the chance to break away from the hustle of the school year feels like a breath of fresh air. But if I’m honest, I’ve also had summers where my faith took a bit of a backseat. Travel, events, and just the change in rhythm can make it easy to drift.

Maybe you’ve felt that too.

That’s why I want to encourage you this June, not with guilt, but with grace. What if this summer became one of your most spiritually fruitful seasons? Not because you did more, but because you drew closer to Jesus in simple, intentional ways.

Summer Growth Tips

Simple ways to stay rooted in faith all season long:

• Start your day with Scripture: Choose one verse or chapter to read before checking your phone.
• Worship on the go: Play worship music while you drive, clean, or relax by the pool.
• Pray with your people: Before meals, on road trips, or during bedtime. Keep prayer part of your routine.
• Stay connected to your church family: Come when you're in town. Watch online when you’re away. Reach out to a friend or group.
• Make space to serve: Volunteer, help a neighbor, or bless someone unexpectedly. Small acts matter.
• Be present with purpose: Ask God: How do You want to grow me this summer? Then listen and lean in.

We’ve got great things happening here at CCY this summer. From our Wednesday night “Lead Like Jesus” class, to camp for our kids and teens to simple chances to serve, there are plenty of opportunities to stay connected and grow.

I truly believe that God wants to meet you in the quiet and the ordinary this summer. He’s not waiting for things to get back to “normal” - He’s working here and now. So let’s not waste this beautiful season. Let’s grow together.

With love and excitement for all God will do,

Invitation to our Parent & Child Baptism Class • Sunday, June 29 • Immediately after the Potluck

Every parent wonders when curiosity about Jesus becomes a genuine commitment. If your child has been asking big faith questions or if you want to understand baptism better, join us for a concise, family-friendly class led by Tori, our Children’s Director.

What to Expect

• Bible basics: A clear, age-appropriate look at what Scripture says about baptism.
• Baptistry tour: Step behind the curtain of our baptistry so the experience feels familiar, not intimidating.
• Open Q & A: No question is off-limits! Parents and kids can ask anything.

Why Attend?

When kids grasp why baptism matters, their first public “yes” to Jesus becomes an unforgettable milestone for the whole family. This 60-minute class will equip you with the insight and confidence to know whether now is the right time.

Information

• Date: Sunday, June 29
• Time: Right after we wrap up the church-wide potluck (meet in the Celebrity Room)
• Who: Parents, guardians, and children of any age who are exploring baptism
• Sign-up: www.ccyok.com/kids

Grab a plate at the potluck, then head over to the Celebrity Room. Together we will find answers, celebrate growing faith, and perhaps take the next step toward the waters of baptism. We look forward to seeing you there!

At Christ’s Church of Yukon, we walk together through every season of life, and that includes the hardest ones. When a family in our church loses a loved one, we want to surround them with the love, comfort, and support of Christ. That’s where our new Bereavement Ministry comes in.

This ministry is all about being present and practical in the face of loss. A team of caring volunteers helps organize memorial receptions, coordinates meals, and checks in with families even after the services are over. We want every grieving family to know they are not alone.

Meet the Team:

• Sheree Avila – Sheree leads the charge on volunteer coordination. When there’s a need, she’ll reach out to our rotation of helpers to prepare side dishes and serve during receptions.
• Jennifer Bamman – Jennifer makes sure everything looks beautiful and runs smoothly, from tablecloths to napkins to thoughtful touches that make families feel cared for.
• Kathy Rumbo – Kathy handles all things media and communication, including bulletins, memorial videos, photos and organizing the meal train.
• Donna Denison – Donna provides ongoing support and steps in wherever needed, offering a kind heart and compassionate presence.

Here’s where you come in.

We’re building a rotation of volunteers who can provide a side dish and help serve during memorial receptions. These are simple acts - dropping off a casserole, setting out napkins, serving the family during the memorial reception, offering a warm smile - but they speak volumes. In those moments, your kindness becomes a reminder of God’s love.

This isn’t a weekly commitment. It’s a “when needed” rotation, and we’ll work around your availability. Sheree Avila is organizing the team, and she’ll reach out when there’s an opportunity to serve.

We believe in being the church in word and deed. If you can cook, serve, or simply show up with compassion, we’d love to have you on the team.

To join the rotation, complete the form below.cLet’s be the hands and feet of Jesus to those who are hurting. Together, we can make sure no one grieves alone.