Hey CLP family,

I am both grateful and excited that today, July 1, 2024, is my first day as your Senior Pastor!  So far, I enjoy my job :-)  Brenda, Kris, and I met last week via Zoom to begin planning our upcoming sermon series, which ties into the missional vision that drew me to CLP; we are hitting the ground running in collaboration.  The whole CLP staff and others have worked hard to help me get acclimated.  Thank you to Marcy and the board, along with Nancy and the search team, who all graciously shepherded me through this process.

Cathy and I worshiped at CLP yesterday; it was so good to see many of you again and to meet some of you for the first time.  We were touched by the worshipful music as Kris led the band, Myra offered her amazing solo, and Kathy accompanied on piano and organ.  Thanks to Chaplain Brad for coming with a light-hearted, instructive sermon on the gift of being God’s children.

In case you have not heard, Cathy and I are now husband and wife! In the space of a week we planned our Los Angeles ceremony and reception, grateful for the friends and family who helped bring everything together.  We were surprised at how many were able to attend on very short notice! Our wedding took place on Juneteenth, and we “jumped the broom” at the close of our ceremony.  Note in the photo how high I was able to leap (I was pretty excited!). 

Because the notice for our LA wedding was so short, some of our family and friends were not able to attend. We’ll be trying to coordinate schedules with them to have a time of blessing and celebration of our marriage this coming autumn at CLP. You’ll all be invited!

I’ll be seeing some of you during the week and more of you this coming Sunday, July 7, my first day preaching and celebrating communion as your pastor.  I ask for your prayers as we get settled into our new community and follow the Spirit to serve you well.  

Every blessing,

Pastor Ted

Pastor Kris, Brenda and I have been developing a sermon series from the Acts of the Apostles. The Book of Acts, found in our Bibles after John’s Gospel, is the second of two volumes written by Luke, author of the Gospel that bears his name.

Here’s how the Book of Acts begins:

In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and teach until the day when he was taken up to heaven…

Notice that Luke describes the content of his Gospel, the first book, as all that Jesus began to do and teach. Here’s what Luke seems to saying as he begins Acts, the second book:

 “In my first book (Gospel of Luke)  I wrote about the start of Jesus’ ministry, while He was on earth.  Now, in my second book (Acts), I want to tell you about what Jesus continued to do and teach by the Holy Spirit working through the Apostles and others in the early church.”

We are calling our new CLP sermon series “Acts of the Holy Spirit.”  I’ll start the series this Sunday with a passage, Acts 2:43-47, that summarizes the life of the earliest church in the days following the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost:

Awe came upon everyone because many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

I encourage us all to read through this passage a few times as we prepare for worship and communion this coming Sunday. July 7.  Cathy and I have found the SOAP method of Bible study helpful in our daily morning Bible study.  It takes us about 15 minutes to do this. See below for more info on SOAP.

In Christ,

Pastor Ted

We are excited to announce a wonderful opportunity to deepen our spiritual journey together! Next week, Pastor Ted would like to get to know you more through a SOAP (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer) study on Acts 3:1-26. This is a chance to engage with God's Word more deeply prior to hearing the Sermon on Sunday. 

Join him on Tuesday, July 9, 10-10:45 in Souers Community Hall!

Join us as we celebrate all things Christmas in July!

Bring in your gently used clothing, housewares, decor, and more! 

Experience the adventure of coMission Camp 2024 at The Church at Litchfield Park!

Incoming 5th graders through high school students are invited to join us Monday through Friday, 8 am-12 pm, for a week of service and mission. Together, we'll be the hands and feet of Christ by volunteering at Feed My Starving Children and St. Mary's Food Bank and supporting local and global organizations like Open Arms and Trevor's Vision.

Don't miss this opportunity to grow in faith, serve in love, and engage in God's mission!

D-Backs vs Phillies game with Casting Crowns postgame concert on FRIDAY, August 9th.

$55 per ticket.

REGISTRATION CLOSES JUL 29.

We will be carpooling to Chase Field. 

Donuts that we enjoy on Celebration Sundays are generously provided each month by volunteers in our church family. Would YOU please consider signing up – either individually, with friends, or with family to split the cost – to bring assorted donuts and donut holes for coffee fellowship on the first Sundays of the month?

A sign-up clipboard is available during COFFEE FELLOWSHIP.

THANK YOU!

Can YOU volunteer to help maintain beautiful rose gardens on our church campus? Roses need to be pruned in fall and early spring. During the blooming period, spring to autumn, the bushes need to be “dead-headed.” Deadheading is removing spent blooms from the bush. Doing this allows the bush to continue blooming. Otherwise, the rose will go to seed and much blooming will cease. Training for pruning and deadheading will be provided. Men and women are invited to join in this rewarding endeavor; High school students are also welcomed. For more information contact the church office at 623-935-3411, info@clp.com, or sign up online at https://clp.breezechms.com/form/roses.

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES
8:30 and 10:00am in Sanctuary

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