Fall is here! I do truly love this time of year. The cool mornings, the changing colors, the deep blue and clear sky all definitely signal change from the season of hot (I am not a big fan of hot). It also ushers in the holiday season which for my family means get-togethers, big family meals, and time well spent.
This year, more than most, I am looking forward to the time my family will spend enjoying each other in laughter, a walk in the woods, apple cider around a fire pit on a cool evening, and the laughter of grandchildren throughout the house. I’m not typically a “ theme” guy but if I were, the theme this season would definitely be Thankfulness.
I sincerely do not intend to be cliche with that term since Thanksgiving is just around the corner but genuinely thankful for what God has done for me or better yet, given back to me, over this last period of my life. Cancer, blood clots, unknown lung infection, surgeries…….not my most productive year and a half.
But, GOD……. God heals and God protects. God comforts and God provides. God leads and maybe most importantly, God places people in your life and around your circumstances to love you and pray for you and give of themselves out of love and service to fellow believers. I am thankful for you and your prayers. I am thankful for your kindness to my family. I am most thankful for your love of the Father that is displayed in your acts toward His people. That is the will of God.
Thank you.
Today Terry and I had our devotional, it was about gratitude. We are in the Dominican Republic, poverty is prevalent, and we Americans are so ungrateful for what we take for granted. Law enforcement, a better Government, not perfect, just better. Much better infrastructure, freedom to earn and work as hard or not. When you see what third-world citizens have to do just to survive another day. If you look around you will realize and be grateful.
Ok so now for us married folks, gratitude is something we lack so many times, gratitude for love, gratitude for help, friendship of your spouse, their service to you. This is so often overlooked, because when we are ungrateful, we tend to just see the negative, im guilty. So are you. Instead today look for the things we overlooked, like hey they made coffee, or they cooked dinner, or they are a hard worker. God wants us to be grateful, and wow we should be. Look today for things to be grateful for that are from God, isnt everything? He has beauty all around us! The laughter of a child, the smile of your spouse, the love of your parents. Gods gives us so much! Life, love, grace, mercy, hope, of course we have trials and tribulations as well. Do you think you would learn to be a better person without them?
I will be more grateful today, for my wonderful daughters, all 6 of them, for my son in laws, for my lovely wife, for my parents.
Today I remind you, even if you have lost your loved one, it is better to have loved and lost them, than to never have loved and been loved by them.
God loves us!
ICOM will be held in OKC on Nov 16-19th
The International Conference On Missions (ICOM) exists to encourage, equip, and enlist workers for the harvest. Our extensive international conference serves as a connection point for global missions but we are more than a five-day event. ICOM is 365 – telling God’s stories, providing resources and uniting the world with missions!
How to Register:
CCY has paid for all church members to register for free!
- Click on the link to register - http://theicom.org/register/
- Click on the Attendees Registration Button. Choose virtual or onsite.
- Choose Individual Registration or Family Registration
- Click Next
- Fill in your contact information.
- Be sure to include your spouse's info if your spouse is coming. You do not need to fill out a separate form for them.
- If you are bringing any children, there’s a box to check. Fill out their information. Their grade is important to include as that’s how they’ll be separated during their activities.
- Click Next
- On the next page, there are Pre-Con & and Ticketed Event options you can choose from. None of these are mandatory. Put in the quantity you want to purchase of that item.
- If you don’t want to purchase any – simply click Next
- On the next page, review your information. Enter the discount code here. “OKC2023” If anything needs to be edited, you can choose “Previous” – If everything is correct, click “Register”
At ICOM, our heart is to foster a love for missions in kids of all ages. ICOM Kids exists to provide a fun and safe place to learn about the love of Christ and the work of missionaries all over the world. ICOM Kids is a Children’s Mini-Conference that is included in your registration fee. Seven ICOM Kids Sessions are provided during ICOM’s Main Session Times and afternoon Workshops. During these sessions, we are excited to incorporate a curriculum which focuses on sharing God’s love with others and to hear directly from missionaries and mission organizations.
The Student International Conference On Missions exists to encourage, equip, and enlist workers for the harvest. Our focus is to invite students into learning and conversation around the local and global missions and ministry. SICOM is a connection point for global and local missions and an opportunity for you to gain a greater perspective of God’s Kingdom in action. SICOM is also a place that seeks to empower young people to pursue a life in ministry and missions. Our goal is to help set students in the right direction with resources and connections to help them take the next steps to discern the call God has for each of them.
Volunteer Opportunities at ICOM
Come pray with us at the Boiler Room Experience in Oklahoma City! Exhibits will highlight Revival Movements and Prayer Initiatives from around the world. The Boiler Room Experience was originally introduced by TCM International Institute at ICOM 2022 in Columbus, Ohio. There will be an even larger space dedicated for prayer this year in Oklahoma City. The Boiler Room Experience will be located near the main session area and open throughout the convention. Stop by and pray with us for a world that needs Jesus!
Sign up in the Gathering area at CCY for specific times blocks to pray at the conference.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
The Season of Sharing is just around the corner and we will have the opportunity to pack shoeboxes again this year, through Operation Christmas Child. Would you like to bless a child with a present that may be the only present they receive their whole life? You can do that by filling an Operation Christmas Child shoebox. Beginning October 22nd, you can stop by our Operation Christmas Child display table in the Gathering area at CCY and pick up one or more shoeboxes to fill. Then return to the church by November 12th.
CHRIST'S CLOSET CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA 2023
Over the next couple of months, we will be working to prepare for the Christmas Extravaganza to be held on Saturday, December 2nd. There is much to do to prepare for our biggest event of the year, and we need your help! The greatest service need is on the day of the Extravaganza. There is a wide variety of options that will allow you to use the service gift that God has so graciously provided! If you like to interact with people, we've got that! If you like to pray with and for others, we've got that! If your gift is working with children, there is ample opportunity to serve in this area. Or, maybe you prefer to quietly serve "behind the scenes?" Yep, we've got that too. If you are simply not available on the day of the event, there are still ways you can serve! Maybe you have some new or gently used toys that could be donated, or the ability to provide a small gift or two that a child could wrap for their parent? Maybe you have an hour or two to spend at the church sorting and hanging clothing. Whatever your availability, please contact Kathy Rumbo or Shera Porter who will happily provide you with options.
UPCOMING EVENTS
CHURCH-WIDE POTLUCK | SUNDAY, OCT 1ST AFTER SERVICE
We're thrilled to host a Church-Wide Potluck right after our service, this Sunday, October 1st! Come together with your church family for a delightful occasion filled with food, fellowship, and faith. We will have extension cords ready if you need to plug in a crockpot. Don't forget to bring your favorite dish to share. We will host in the South Building. See you there!
SENIOR CONNECTIONS GROUP | SUNDAY, OCT 1ST AFTER SERVICE AND POTLUCK
Senior Connections is back! We're bringing back our 1st Sunday of the month potluck, and we invite you to join us on Sunday, October 1st, immediately following the service. Stay with us for a wonderful potluck lunch, and afterwards, make your way to the Celebrity Room for the Senior Connections group meeting. Kathy Stanka will be sharing valuable insights on "Blended Families and Estate Planning."
TRUNK OR TREAT COMMUNITY EVENT AT CCY | WEDNESDAY OCT 25TH, 6-8 PM
Calling all kids and adults of ALL AGES! Join us on Wednesday, October 25th between 6 and 8 p.m. for our free TRUNK or TREAT event! Stop at trunks for interactive games, collect candy, and grab some refreshments! We will also be serving hotdogs and we can't wait to see you there! If you'd like to bring a Trunk and join in on the fun, sign up at ccyok.com/trunkortreat. If you would like to participate in our candy drive (we will need all that we can get), please bring your candy to CCY on Sundays or by the office during the week.
BONFIRE FELLOWSHIP AT THE MINICK'S RANCH | SAT OCT 28TH - 5-8 PM
Join us for a night of warmth, fellowship, and fun! Save the Date: Saturday, October 28th. Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Location: 2001 N. Shell Creek Rd Yukon, OK 73099. We'll be serving up delicious hotdogs, so come hungry! Don't forget to bring your fishing rods for some outdoor adventures! And of course, we'll have uplifting worship to nourish your soul. Bring your lawn chairs, and let's create unforgettable memories together around the bonfire. Spread the word and invite your friends and family! It's going to be an incredible evening of connection and community. See you there!
FOOTBALL, FOOD, FELLOWSHIP | SUNDAY OCT 29TH AFTER SERVICE
Join us for an afternoon of Football, Fellowship, and Food! Get ready for an epic Sunday afternoon filled with touchdowns, camaraderie, and delicious bites on Sunday, October 29th, 2023 after service, in the CCY South Building Warehouse. We've got it all lined up: Three different football games playing on three different screens. Mouthwatering game-day snacks and meals. Great company and even better conversations. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just looking for a good time, this event is for YOU! Bring your friends, family, and football spirit. Don't miss out on this fantastic combination of sports and socializing. RSVP by commenting below now and get ready for a fun afternoon!
NEXT LEVEL MEMBERSHIP CLASS | SUNDAY, OCT 29TH
Join us for the "Next Level" Membership Class at Christ's Church of Yukon on Sunday, October 29th from 12 to 4 pm at CCY. Childcare will be available and pizza will be served. Looking to deepen your connection with our CCY community and take your faith journey to the "Next Level"? Pastor Clay Parrett invites you to join us after service on October 29th for an informal, insightful class designed just for you! Discover how you can become an integral part of our church family and take those important next steps on your spiritual path. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, grow, and make lasting friendships. See you there! Register at www.ccyok.com/nextlevel
CCY PARTICIPATION
RESOURCES
- RightNow Media - Free access to over 20,000 Biblically-based videos including topics like marriage, parenting, youth, recovery, leadership, finances, and much more. GET ACCESS
- Small Groups - Join a small group! www.ccyok.com/smallgroups
- Prayer Wall - Prayer is not a side room of the church, it is the foundation. Let us know how we can pray for you at www.ccyok.com/pray
- Facebook Group - Join our Facebook group by clicking here.
- Online Giving - Give online at www.ccyok.com/give