When You Thought I Wasn’t Looking (Written by a former child)

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one. When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals. When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned that they little things can be the special things in life. When you thought I wasn’t looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God that I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God. When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other. When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don’t. When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given. When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn’t feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up. When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it’s all right to cry. When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be. When you thought I wasn’t looking, I learned most of life’s lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up. When you thought I wasn’t looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, “Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn’t looking.”

Each of us, parent or friend, influence the life of a child. How will you touch the life of someone today?

About a week late but we finally got the new prayer calendar out.

Check it out!

Blood Drive
We need people to pledge blood donation. Without the pledges we cannot schedule a date. Keep in mind that every donor can help save the lives of 3 people. If you were excluded from donation in the past, please consider trying again. Everyone receives a mini-physical to make sure they are a candidate for giving. The sign-up sheet is posted on the bulletin board in the lobby. If you have questions visit www.givelife.org, www.redcross.org, or contact Kris Carter.

Secret Sisters
The Secret Sisters assignments were e-mailed out in early April. If you did not receive an e-mail or have any questions about Secret Sisters, please call Amy Jones.

Deeper Still LifeWay Women’s Event
Feeling lost in your busy, overloaded life? Then it’s time to grab your girlfriends, jump in the car, and head to Deeper Still. Join us for an extraordinary weekend of in-depth bible study, prayer, and worship that will point you toward the vibrant life God has in store for you. It’s never too late to ask for direction in your faith journey, and this LifeWay event for women of every age will get you to your destination. If you are interested in joining us in Greensboro, July 31- August 1 for the unique opportunity to worship and hear the rich and relevant teaching of Kay Arthur, Priscilla Shire, and Beth Moore, please contact Patty Eller.

New Bible Study to Begin
"Times of Tragedy and Moments of Grace: Surviving a Life Changing Loss as a Person of Faith"
This is a study of John Baggett’s newest book, Times of Tragedy and Moments of Grace: Surviving a Life Changing Loss as a Person of Faith. It was written for those who have experienced some type of life-changing event, such as the death of a loved one, a serious diagnosis, a disability, a divorce, an addicted family member, a job loss, or a financial catastrophe. The book is a guide for negotiating the struggles of faith that so often accompany personal tragedies, and for finding and developing the spiritual resources to survive the darkest days of grief and suffering. It is about the willingness to learn, to change, and to grow, in the midst of pain and sorrow, and about emotional and spiritual recovery. And it is a testimony to the mysterious power of God through faith to transform events experienced as radical suffering, and to use them for good. The study is also intended for those who desire to assist others through such times, or for those who wish to prepare spiritually for the losses that eventually come to all of us.

Introduction
Chapter 1 Like Lightning Striking
Phase I: The Unwillingness to Face Reality
Chapter 2 Denial is Not a River in Egypt
Chapter 3 You Can Run But You Will Only Get Tired
Chapter 4 Where is a Superhero When You Really Need One?
Phase II: The Unwillingness to Accept Reality
Chapter 5 Why Do You Keep Asking “Why?”
Chapter 6 Who Pushed Humpty Dumpty?
Chapter 7 Never Put a Period Where a Comma Belongs
Phase III: The Grace to Embrace Reality
Chapter 8 The Road to Recovery is Paved With Moments of Grace
Chapter 9 Transforming Your Season of Grieving into a Lifetime of Caring
Chapter 10 When the Caterpillar Dies, the Butterfly Flies
Epilogue

This study which will be facilitated by John and Diane Baggett will meet on Tuesdays from 7:00 to 8:30 pm beginning June 2 at the home of Jan and Paul Julien. If you would like to participate or for more information, please contact Diane Baggett.

Pork BBQ Fundraiser
On May 29, Christ Community UMC will be partnering with Fairview Contemporary Fellowship to do a Pork BBQ Fundraiser. The $5 plates will include BBQ, potatoes, slaw and a roll or bread. In order to make this fundraiser a success, CCUMC is being asked to do the following:
- Sell tickets
- Provide Volunteers:
o 2 for Chopping BBQ at 9:30 am
o 2 for preparing plates
o 3 or 4 for delivering to area businesses
- Provide Food Donations
o Pound Cakes
o Green Cabbage
If you are able to help or for more information, please contact Anthony Suggs or Danny Brown.

I open my heart and mind to be aware… there are no points in the game of life. How I play determines if I win.

The goal of a football player is to get the ball over the goal line in order to score a touchdown. The goal of a baseball player is to hit a home run in order to increase the team’s score. The goal of a basketball player is to get the ball in the basket and increase the team’s points. Each of these players is focused on the goal, clear about the rules and prepared to win the game. This is not always true for those of us who are playing on the field of life. Our goal is not always clear. Our team is not always supportive. The points we make are not always counted. How do you win the game of life?

The goal of life is not to win. It is to play the game with live. The rules of the game are:
- Have a strong desire to win.
- Believe that you are worthy of winning.
- Have faith that you will win.
- And, as long as you are alive, never believe the game is over.
Go for the love and have fun while you are doing it! There really are no points to count. The fact that you are here means you have already won the important race. Play the game believing you cannot lose. Play the game for the love of it.

The game of life is rigged in your favor. There are angels playing on your side. Learn how to cooperate with them. The team you were born into really doesn’t matter, because there is only one coach for all teams in life. His name is God, and he has been cited for his consistent winning record.

Until today, you may have been working so hard to reach the goal line that you lost sight of the meaning of the game. Just for today, do not keep score. Remind yourself of the rules; love what you are doing. Listen to your coach because with him you are assured victory.

I am willing to acknowledge… in some battles, victory is won with the elements of surprise.

Many people ask, “How can I get the negative thought out of my mind?” Or, “How can I get these negative feelings out of my heart?” Few of us realize that everything we do in life is experienced by our entire being – that means mind, body, and spirit. What you know, you know on all three levels. What you desire, you must desire on all three levels. When you are trying to accomplish a task, all three levels of your being must be in harmony. If or when they are not, one or more aspects of your inner being will be working against you. When this happens, it is difficult to accomplish the task.

It is not enough to think about the good things you want; you must also feel good about what you want. It is not enough to try to forget unpleasant experiences, you must also work to change how you feel about them. In order to eliminate negative thoughts and feelings; you must shift what you think. When you shift what you think, you change how you feel and what you believe. This shift is called learning. When there is harmony among all levels of your inner being, then you have learned the lesson of the experience. Once you have learned a lesson, your behavior will change.

If you are working to eliminate negative thoughts and feelings, think before you act! Stop yourself from walking down the path of reaction. Examine your beliefs about yourself and your experiences. Be willing to release those things that are in conflict with your goal to release negative thoughts and feelings. Only when you participate on all three levels of your being can you break habitual responses that repeatedly produce unwanted experiences.

Until today, you may have tried to clear your mind and heal your heart in two separate steps. Just for today, treat you mind and heart as partners.

New Beginnings Update
Baby Bottle Blessings - A big Thank You to everyone who participated in the Baby Bottle Blessing fundraiser for New Hope Pregnancy Center in Clayton. We will know the final dollar amount raised once we turn in all the baby bottles in the next week or so. Just a bottle full of change helps their mission and helps reach out to women in so many different ways. If you still have a bottle, please return it to the church office by 4/26. Thanks again for participating!

Note Writers Bazaar / VBS Fundraiser
The Note Writers will be having a Bazaar on Sunday, May 3. There will be food and craft items for sale between the morning services and after the 11:00 service. Proceeds will help fund Vacation Bible School.

American Red Cross Blood Drive @ CCUMC
Kris Carter has been working with the American Red Cross on organizing a blood drive here at CCUMC. If you have never donated before, please consider doing so. Visit www.givelife.org to find the answers to the most common questions about blood donation. It takes about an hour, it's free, and it will help save someone's life. If you are interested in helping to organize this event, please contact Kris Carter. Details on date and time to follow.

Deeper Still LifeWay Women Event
Feeling lost in your busy, overloaded life? Then it’s time to grab your girlfriends, jump in the car, and head to Deeper Still. Join us for an extraordinary weekend of in-depth bible study, prayer, and worship that will point you toward the vibrant life God has in store for you. It’s never too late to ask for direction in your faith journey, and this LifeWay event for women of every age will get you to your destination. If you are interested in joining us in Greensboro, July 31- August 1 for the unique opportunity to worship and hear the rich and relevant teaching of Kay Arthur, Priscilla Shire, and Beth Moore, please contact Patty Eller.

Retro – Getting Back to the Basics Bible Study
In a world where going retro is the chic thing to do, we need to join in. Going retro does not mean you have to bring back 1980’s fashion or your high school hair style. Going retro is all about time. God wants us to make the most of every opportunity, and we can do that when we leverage what we’ve learned in the past to help us bridge the gap between our priorities and commitments today.

In this study, you will have the opportunity to learn from past decisions in a way that will impact the present and your future. You will also see how our friends play a crucial role in making the most of every opportunity. Finally, we’ll bring back one of the most unmistakable pieces of 1970’s fashion and find out how it fits every one of us. If you want your life to move forward with great trajectory, it’s time to go Retro!

If you are interested in participating in this study which will meet on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm beginning May 6, please fill out this sheet and place it in the offering basket. For more information, please contact Bob Losee.

Culinary Comforts
Calling all cooks! We need your help in expanding our Culinary Comforts Ministry. If you have been cared for by this ministry, you know how special it is when you are in a time of need. If you would like to minister to the needs of our church family by cooking a meal once in a while, please fill out the information below and place it in the offering basket.

If you have questions, please contact the new leader of this ministry, MaLinda Speelman.

You can now register for Crocodile Dock online. Crocodile Dock is the name of our Vacation Bible School (VBS) program for 2009 which is scheduled for July 13 - 17.

Register today!

New Beginnings Update
Baby Bottle Blessings - A big Thank You to everyone who participated in the Baby Bottle Blessing fundraiser for New Hope Pregnancy Center in Clayton. We will know the final dollar amount raised once we turn in all the baby bottles in the next week or so. Just a bottle full of change helps their mission and helps reach out to women in so many different ways. If you still have a bottle, please return it to the church office by 4/26. Thanks again for participating!

Our next meeting is scheduled for 4/26 @ 3PM in Room 7. We will go over an upcoming Tupperware fundraiser and other service projects we will be doing. We will also be bundling towels and toiletries for Harbor, Inc. If you would like to participate with this ministry or have any questions about the projects we are doing, please come to the meeting or contact Karen Freeman or Liz Hanna.

Note Writers Bazaar / VBS Fundraiser
The Note Writers will be having a Bazaar on Sunday, May 3. There will be food and craft items for sale between the morning services and after the 11:00 service. Proceeds will help fund Vacation Bible School.

Medical Professionals Volunteer Opportunity
Urban Ministries of Wake County is seeking medical professionals to volunteer in its Open Door Clinic. If you are a physician, nurse, lab technician, or pharmacist, and are interested in serving the poor and uninsured in Wake County please contact the church office for more information.

American Red Cross Blood Drive @ CCUMC
Kris Carter has been working with the American Red Cross on organizing a blood drive here at CCUMC. If you have never donated before, please consider doing so. Visit www.givelife.org to find the answers to the most common questions about blood donation. It takes about an hour, it's free, and it will help save someone's life. If you are interested in helping to organize this event, contact Kris Carter. Details on date and time to follow.

Race of Grace Weekend
The Race of Grace Weekend: making a difference in the lives of hungry people through education, inspiration, many-a-donation, and perspiration! Join your brothers and sisters as we raise money for four local hunger relief agencies: Interfaith Food Shuttle, Garner Area Ministries, the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC, and Fuquay-Varina Emergency Food Pantry. The Race of Grace Weekend includes a golf tournament on Friday, April 24, a 25- or 50- mile bike ride on Saturday, April 25, and a 5K Walk/Run on Sunday, April 26. Register on-line at www. RaceOfGrace.org or pick up an entry form on the table in the church lobby.

Retro – Getting Back to the Basics Bible Study
In a world where going retro is the chic thing to do, we need to join in. Going retro does not mean you have to bring back 1980’s fashion or your high school hair style. Going retro is all about time. God wants us to make the most of every opportunity, and we can do that when we leverage what we’ve learned in the past to help us bridge the gap between our priorities and commitments today.

In this study, you will have the opportunity to learn from past decisions in a way that will impact the present and your future. You will also see how our friends play a crucial role in making the most of every opportunity. Finally, we’ll bring back one of the most unmistakable pieces of 1970’s fashion and find out how it fits every one of us. If you want your life to move forward with great trajectory, it’s time to go Retro!

If you are interested in participating in this study which will meet on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm beginning May 6, please contact Bob Losee.

Culinary Comforts
Calling all cooks! We need your help in expanding our Culinary Comforts Ministry. If you have been cared for by this ministry, you know how special it is when you are in a time of need. If you would like to minister to the needs of our church family by cooking a meal once in a while or if you would like more information about this ministry,please contact the new leader of this ministry, MaLinda Speelman.

She had been shopping with her Mom in Wal-Mart. She must have been six years old, this beautiful brown haired, freckle-faced image of innocence. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the tops of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth, it had no time to flow down the spout. Drains in the parking lot were nearly filled to capacity and some were blocked, so that huge puddles laced around parked cars. We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Wal-Mart Store. We waited, some patiently, other s irritated, because nature messed up their hurried day.

Her voice was so sweet, as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in. “Mom, let’s run through the rain,” she said. “What?” Mom asked. “Let’s run through the rain!” she repeated. “No, honey, we’ll wait until it slows down a bit.” Mom replied. This young child waited about another minute and repeated, “Mom, Let’s run through the rain.” “We’ll get soaked if we do,” Mom said. “No, we won’t Mom.” “That’s not what you said this morning,” the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom’s arm. “This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?” “Don’t you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, ‘If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!’”

The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn’t hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next few minutes. Her Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child’s life; a time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith.

“Honey, you are absolutely right. Let’s run through the rain. If God lets us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing.” Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes through the puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads, just in case. They got soaked. But they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars.

I want to believe that somewhere down the road in life Mom will find herself reflecting back on moments they spent together, captured like pictures in the scrapbook of her cherished memories. Maybe when she watches proudly as her daughter graduates, or as her Daddy walks her down the aisle on her wedding day, she will laugh again. Her heart will beat a little faster. Her smile will tell the world they love each other. But only they will share that precious moment, when they ran through the rain believing that God would get them through.

And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing. Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories. So, don’t forget to make time and take the opportunities to make memories every day!

I believe that friends are quiet angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly. Take the time to run through the rain!

We've updated the New Beginnings page to link to the latest prayer calendar from the New Hope Pregnancy Center.

Check it out!