This summer, 15 youth and 3 adults from our group attended the Christ in Youth (CIY) conference in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, from July 15 to 19, 2024. The CIY conference is a transformative experience designed to inspire and empower young people to deepen their faith and relationship with God. Below is a personal account from Sawyer Crooks, one of our youth members, highlighting the profound impact this event had on her life.
CIY was undeniably the most life-changing experience I have ever had, and I can confidently affirm that many of the kids in our youth group would say the same. The week before I went, I was put into foster care, which made me feel further away from God than ever before. During the first night, I was extremely stressed about my home situation and being the only girl in the youth group. However, something just clicked on the second night of CIY. I felt God reassuring me that everything was going to be okay.
During the week at camp, I decided to let go and let God, and as soon as I had done so, all the stress floated away. Every message spoken and every CIY session struck a chord with me. It felt like they knew what was going on for years. I have tried filling that Jesus-sized void in my heart with everything besides Jesus, but the camp taught me that only Jesus Himself could fill it. If you ever have the chance to go to CIY, seize it. It was an incredible experience, and the tears, burden, and hurt that lifted off of me were clear evidence of God's presence.
My favorite verses, and the ones that I keep coming back to are:
1st Corinthians 13: 4-7, 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
I have found that if I can just practice these four verses, my walk with Christ, my joy, and my life on Earth will be better. Is this easy? Hardly. Practicing real love as defined in these few words is difficult. I must continually go back and read the directions. During my marriage with Teresa, I was not very good at practicing Love as defined in the instruction book. One time after a heated disagreement, I was so frustrated that I looked for instructions. I read these verses to determine what she was doing wrong. Strange, it didn't mention her! The instructions were for me. I needed to be patient, kind, and so on. I can only control myself. So, I started to take heed of my actions and reactions. I got better at demonstrating Love.
I can speak about these verses for a long time, they are deep and all-consuming if truly followed. Let’s take the very first phrase, Love is Patient. Why is this the first? Is it because God shows us patience? I sure need and appreciate His patience with my many faults. How many ways can I be patient, with my kids, what I want from God, my spouse, people I don't get along with? Ouch. If God can be so patient with us, surely, we should try to be patient as well. Practicing patience, well that's an everyday if not every minute need in my life. I can be so impatient. One thing I have found out though, is that God has a plan. He usually doesn't tell me in advance what it is though. I have found that by praying, having faith and waiting, that God's plans are better than mine. When I don't hear from the Holy Spirit on what to do, I have found that just waiting on God, problems go away, or a solution reveals itself. This doesn't mean sitting on your recliner and waiting for the manna to fall on your plate, you must get up continue to live, work and pray.
God is Love!
I am still working on demonstrating Love in my daily life. I fail, I get up and try again. I must have patience with myself.
Join us on Sunday, August 4th, 2024, for an incredible opportunity to make a difference in our community at the "Back to School Bash" on Be The Church Sunday!
This month, we are moving our Christ's Closet event to Sunday morning, incorporating an outdoor worship service and "Be The Church Sunday". During this time, we will open the "CLOSET" to serve the community in various ways. We'll be giving away clothes and backpacks filled with school supplies, providing free meals for all, offering haircuts for those in need, and more!
This event falls a couple of weeks before the new school year starts. We encourage all of you to join us, worship together, and serve side by side. Don't worry about childcare; we'll have arrangements in place for volunteers.
Here's a recap of this week's schedule leading up to Be The Church Sunday:
📅 Wednesday, July 31st:
- 9:00 am: Setting up the gym
- Men - we can use your help with this setup!
- All are welcome to stay and help sort and organize afterward.
- Closet will be open Wednesday evening from 6-8 pm for sorting.
📅 Thursday & Friday starting at 9 a.m.:
- Continued sorting and organizing.
- The gym will be open, so come and go as your schedule allows.
📅 Sunday (Event Day):
- 6:30 a.m.: Outdoor setup.
- 8 a.m.: Registration opens.
- 9 a.m.: Outdoor worship service.
- 10 a.m.: Doors open.
- 2 p.m.: Event ends, clean up.
Please note that we will not be taking donations this month, but will resume taking donations on the first Saturday in September, from 11-1pm.
Our day on Sunday will begin with an early morning service at 9 a.m. We'll have chairs set up outdoors between the two buildings, and we extend an invitation to the community to join us. Together, we'll engage in worship, listen to a message suitable for all ages, and partake in a special communion moment.
To accommodate parking, we request that all Christ's Church of Yukon members park at La Petite Academy daycare, or Swartz Ready Mix company, located east of the church buildings. This way, we can free up space for our community friends to park easily. We will have golf cart transportation from the parking lot to the event area. Registration for "The Bash" will begin at 8 a.m. If some of you can arrive early, we'd appreciate the help in setting up awnings and preparing specific areas. Dress comfortably for an outdoor setup.
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:16
Let's come together and make this a powerful day, glorifying God as we demonstrate our love for Him and our community by going outside the walls of the church to serve. We hope to see you all there!
BACK TO SCHOOL BASH - EVENT DETAILS FOR GUESTS
Discover Community Through Small Groups at CCY
At Christ's Church of Yukon (CCY), we believe that faith flourishes best in the context of community. Our Small Groups are designed to foster deep connections, spiritual growth, and mutual support among members of our congregation. If you're looking for a way to deepen your faith, build lasting relationships, and grow together in Christ, joining a Small Group might be the perfect next step.
What Are Small Groups?
Small Groups at CCY are intimate gatherings of church members who meet regularly to study the Bible, pray together, and support one another in their lives. These groups create a space where individuals can share their lives, and build meaningful relationships in a warm and welcoming environment.
The Benefits of Joining a Small Group
- Deepened Faith: Through regular Bible study and prayer, Small Groups provide a structured environment for deepening your understanding of Scripture and strengthening your relationship with God.
- Personal Connections: Small Groups offer a unique opportunity to form close, personal connections with other members of the congregation. These relationships often extend beyond the group meetings, creating a supportive and caring community.
- Mutual Support: Life’s challenges are easier to face with the support of a close-knit community. Small Groups provide a network of friends who can offer encouragement, prayer, and practical assistance when needed.
- Spiritual Accountability: Being part of a Small Group helps you stay accountable for your faith. Group members can encourage each other to stay committed to their faith and personal growth.
- Service Opportunities: Many Small Groups engage in service projects together, providing opportunities to put faith into action and make a positive impact in the community.
Types of Small Groups
At CCY, we offer a variety of Small Groups to meet the needs and interests of our congregation. Some of the groups you might find include:
- Bible Study Groups: Focused on in-depth exploration of Scripture and its application to daily life.
- Prayer Groups: Dedicated to prayer and developing a deeper prayer life.
- Topical Study Groups: These groups explore specific topics such as marriage, parenting, or financial stewardship from a biblical perspective.
- Service Groups: Combining study and action, these groups engage in regular service projects and outreach activities.
How to Join a Small Group
Joining a Small Group at CCY is easy. Visit our Small Groups page to explore the various groups available and find one that fits your interests and schedule. Each group has a leader who can provide more information and help you get connected.
Testimonials from Group Members
- Marc: "Being part of a Small Group has transformed our faith. We've grown closer to God and built friendships that feel like family."
- Jennifer: Bob and I are so grateful for the friendships we have made within our group. Not only have we grown spiritually together, but our group supports each other in our day-to-day struggles. It has truly been a blessing.
- Melissa: Mike and I enjoy our Small Group. With his work schedule we do not get to attend Wednesday night classes together so small group is an opportunity to spend time together, and with friends, giving us a chance to grow deeper relationships within our church family.
Get Involved Today
We encourage you to take the step of joining a Small Group and experience the profound impact it can have on your life. By connecting with others in a small, supportive setting, you’ll find a deeper sense of belonging and a stronger foundation in your faith.
We are committed to growing together in Christ. Join a Small Group today and be a part of this vibrant and transformative community.
UPCOMING EVENTS
CHRIST'S CLOSET | SUNDAY AUGUST 4TH
Christ's Closet is typically open on the first Saturday of each month. However, this month we'll be changing the date to coincide with "Be the Church Sunday" on August 4th, 2024. We invite you to participate in CCY's "Be The Church Sunday," a day devoted to positively impacting our community's children as they prepare for the new school year.
PARENT'S DAY OUT | ENROLLING FOR FALL SEMESTER
We are excited to announce that enrollment for the fall semester of Parents' Day Out at Christ's Church of Yukon (CCY) is open! Our program provides a safe, nurturing environment where children can learn, play, and grow.
For more information and to enroll your child, please visit www.ccyok.com/pdo.
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