Hey, Church at Litchfield Park family!

Today Pastor Lynne walked us through Peter's vision in Acts 10:1-17, 34-35 (NIV). Let's take another look at the passage to see how we can apply it today:

At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion... He and all his family were devout and God-fearing... One day... he had a vision...The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter."

About noon the following day... Peter went up on the roof to pray... He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth... It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds... 'Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.'... The voice spoke to him a second time, 'Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.'..Then Peter began to speak: 'I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.'"

Peter's vision teaches us some important lessons about embracing diversity and inclusivity. Let's explore these insights and how they can enrich our lives as Jesus' followers.

God's Love Transcends Boundaries

Peter's vision was a game-changer for the early church. It revealed that God's love and salvation were not limited to a specific group of people but were available to everyone who loves God and accepts Jesus. This realization transformed Peter's perspective, reminding him and us that God's love transcends all boundaries.

Breaking Down Cultural Barriers

In his vision, Peter saw a sheet containing all sorts of animals considered "unclean" by Jewish dietary laws. But God told him not to call anything impure that He has made clean. This message helped Peter understand that the Gospel was for everyone, breaking down the cultural barriers that had separated people for generations., We can take this lesson to heart by being open and welcoming to people from all walks of life.

Building a Diverse and Inclusive Community

When Peter shared the Gospel with Cornelius and his family, it marked a significant step in the early church's growth, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds. The church became a vibrant and dynamic community where everyone found belonging. As modern-day followers of Jesus, we can strive to build a similarly diverse and inclusive community, celebrating each person's unique gifts and perspectives.

No Favoritism

In Acts 10:34-35, Peter declares, "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right." This message serves as a reminder that God's love is impartial and unconditional. We should strive to reflect this same love in our interactions with others, treating everyone with kindness, respect, and compassion.

Learning from One Another

As we embrace the spirit of Peter's vision, we also open ourselves up to learning from one another. People from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences have unique insights and perspectives that can enrich our understanding of the world and our faith. By welcoming other voices, we can grow together as a community, broadening our horizons and deepening our relationship with God.

A Reflection of God's Kingdom

Ultimately, our efforts to embrace the vision God gave Peter, serves as a reflection of God's Kingdom. In Revelation 7:9 (NIV), we read of a vision of "a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb." This diversity was not only a part of Peter's vision, but is a promise for the future.

Conclusion

Brothers and sisters, let's celebrate the lessons and opportunities that Peter's vision brings into our lives. We can create a thriving and welcoming church family that reflects the boundless love of Jesus. We can learn from one another, grow in our faith, and demonstrate the power of unity in Jesus. Let's take these lessons to heart and strive to build a church community that truly represents the beauty and richness of God's Kingdom.

Join us for the 2023 Mission Trip to Navajo Nation in Northern Arizona from July 23 through July 28. Projects primarily consist of construction-related tasks such as tiling, dry-walling, roofing, framing, cement work, and various kinds of repairs/remodeling. Specific construction skills are very helpful but not required. We simply ask that you come with a willing heart that is prepared to work to the best of your ability. The cost for each person who volunteers is capped at $200. If you would like to attend but are concerned about cost, please contact Pastor Lynne or Pastor Adam to see about scholarship opportunities.

Please support CLP Missions by sharing your talent.  Register by April 23 and a member of the team will connect with you.

HOW, or Helping One Woman (at a time) is a non-profit organization with a mission to provide support to women who are going through difficult times of trouble and loss. The organization believes that by helping one woman at a time, we can make a positive impact on families and communities.

You are invited to support Mandy and her family as they navigate life without Justin and move forward into healing and hope. Learn more about Mandy and Justin's story with the attached flyer and join us on May 4.

 

The 'HOW' MOTTO:

One woman with $10.00 can buy another woman lunch.
Ten women with $10.00 can buy another woman’s groceries.
One hundred women with $10.00 can make a real difference in another woman’s life.

VISION:

We envision a world where everyone is willing to provide comfort and support to another person when they need hope restored to their life.

MISSION:

In order to help create such a world, we are women joining together to demonstrate our support to help one woman at a time move forward on her journey through times of devastating trouble and loss. We believe that when we help one woman, we are helping one family and through that family we are helping our community.

Join us on Tuesdays from 10:30-11:30 or Wednesdays from 6-7 as we go deeper into God's Word. 

Jesus teaches that in God's kingdom, things are different than we might expect. Sometimes, it even seems as though it is upside down when we hear that the last will be first and the first will be last, and the greatest in the kingdom are the ones who serve others. In God's kingdom, mercy triumphs over fairness, and grace abounds. We are called to be extravagantly generous and relentlessly forgiving. Entrusted with gifts and grace, we learn to live out these kingdom ways, sharing God's love with others and using all that we have to bring glory to God.

Join the church as we come together to share a meal before Wednesday night activities.  Registration closes at 10 PM the Monday before the meal.

April 26     Pizza and Salad

Orpheus Male Chorus presents thier annual Spring Concert Series: "Songs From Home" which includes a selection of spirituals, folk music & additional songs that celebrate the joys of coming home!

 Join us in Souers Hall on Friday, May 5th at 6:00 for a taco dinner and CLP’s Got Talent show. Tickets are on sale now and proceeds benefit the summer mission trip. Adults $15. Children $7. Maximum is $40 per family. 

Tickets are available in Souers Community Hall during Wednesday night Fellowship, in the Breezeway between services, in the church office, and online through the registration link.

Demand at TheShop@CLP has been high and we are in need of donations! If you have items to donate, or know of anyone who does, please bring them by TheShop any Friday between 8am-11am. Thank you!

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES
8 and 9:15am in Sanctuary
10:45am in Souers Community Hall

OFFICE HOURS
Monday through Thursday ~ 9am to 4pm

300 North Old Litchfield Road
Litchfield Park, AZ  85340
(623) 935-3411
info@clp.church
https://clp.church