Greetings,

This Sunday is Mother’s Day. We like to honor the mother’s and grandmother’s during the service and will do so again this year. At a time when motherhood is being disdained and minimized in our society, we affirm the vital importance of their calling. The following quotes reflect our hearts:

“Motherhood is not disparaged in biblical teaching; contrary to many in modern society, it is held up as the woman’s highest calling and privilege.” Andreas Kostenberger

“No gift to your mother can ever equal her gift to you – life.” Anonymous

“I learned more about Christianity from my mother than from all the theologians in England.” John Wesley

This Sunday, I will share a message that relates particularly to mothers. We will look at an incident between Jesus and His mother Mary. They are at a wedding together (The Wedding at Cana / John 2). At this celebration, the wine runs out which is quite a social Faux Pas for their society which greatly concerns Mary. To Jesus this is not a world shaking disaster that should concern Him. An interesting interchange takes place between the two of them. I will look at the incident and make some observations about what mothers can learn in regard to their children.

I want to ask for prayer this week for the following upcoming events:

• Orientation – next Saturday, May 19th
• June 5th – Wisconsin Recall Elections
• Summer Picnics (1st One on June 3rd)

Pastor Dave

Greetings,

This Sunday, we will conclude our six week Spring 2012 Focus – “Building Community at Cedarcreek”. I will be sharing on the topic of “Same Team”. To develop community, we have to become like a harmonious team. This starts with having a common goal or mission. Each member has a vital part in that common goal. We all work toward making our team victorious. We rejoice in the victories and mourn our losses together with our fellow members.

I want to remind you that we are having a Marriage Retreat next Saturday May 12^th from 8:30am to 4pm. Our marriages are so important. It is easy to think, “I have a good marriage” and you probably do. But God doesn’t want us to stop their, He wants us to have great marriages. A great marriage needs to be developed and it takes work and input. Marriage retreats are a good way to “keep growing” in that special commitment that you made. Please consider attending and sign up this Sunday.

I want to ask for prayer this week for the following upcoming events:

• May 12^th – Marriage Retreat, Mission Possible
• May 8^th  & June 5^th  - Wisconsin Recall Elections
• Summer Picnics (1^st One on June 3^rd)

Pastor Dave

Dear Cedarcreeker,

I am traveling again. Sandy and I with her mother flew to New Hampshire for my nephews wedding on Saturday. I love to travel but too much has come too close together in the last 5 weeks for me. But God is good and He refreshes my spirit through my daily prayer and reading the Word.

This morning I was in a Dunkin Donuts in Wolfeboro, N.H. I read the story about the “Widows Penny” in Luke 21. I was struck by the phrase, “she…put in all that she had to live on”. The highest bet that a gambler can make is “all in”. That means that he doubles all his money or loses it all. That’s what faith is about. We grow to know, love and trust God so much that we give him our life and tell him that I am “all in”. God is patient and works to develop us and our faith but at some point in our life that we must honor him as God and go “all in”. Have you told Him, “I am all in”?

This Sunday, we will continue our Spring 2012 Focus – “Building Community at Cedarcreek”. Rob will be sharing on the topic of “Shared History”. People living in community build shared memories that that are cherished by its members. Powerful bonds are formed when people share crises and victories together much like soldiers in war build lifelong friends. Every church develops “traditions” that are part of having a stable and healthy community.

Pastor Dave

Greetings,

This Sunday, we will continue our Spring 2012 Focus – “Building Community at Cedarcreek”. Jason Kanz will be sharing on the topic of “Mutual Protection”. The church community is a place of spiritual protection. There is a team of leaders to set the direction of the church called elders. Deacons and deaconesses are servants who oversee important areas of the church. The Bible is the authority of the behavior of the members. Advice and counsel by the leaders provide guidance and help to community members. The members themselves encourage, challenge and exhort the other members to protect them from our arch-enemy the devil.

Please pray for the following important events:

• Tomorrow – Women’s Spring Tea
• May 3rd – National Day of Prayer
• May 12th – Marriage Retreat, Mission Possible
• May 8th & June 5th – Wisconsin Recall Elections

Pastor Dave