marthafry

3 Days of Praying and Fasting

2009-11-13T08:49:54-08:00

This weekend is Commitment Weekend and I am so excited to see what God is going to do through C3 the next two weekends! As we prepare to bring our commitments this weekend, I wanted to invite you to join us in three days of praying and fasting, starting Sunday evening, November 15. We will conclude the fast at 20/20 Night on Wednesday, November 18 with a Night of Prayer at 7:00pm.

We are praying and fasting as we seek God for what He wants us to do the following weekend for Miracle offering Weekend on November 21 and 22.

If this is your first time fasting, here is some information, and you can find more resources on c3church.com or in the Source.

What is Fasting?

The fast is a spiritual discipline designed to better connect us with God. As a church, we are fasting to prepare our hearts for what God is going to do, and to stretch our faith to believe Him for big miracles. The best way to do this is to redirect our food source. This is accomplished through substituting our regular food intake with Bible reading, praying and journaling. The overall goal is to experience a genuine hunger for spending time with God and to grow our faith in what God can do!

Normally, fasting means to abstain from food or drink for a certain period of time as a religious practice. However, it may extend to anything that may be a source of pleasure, satisfaction, or personal gratification.

Some of the purposes of fasting are to express love and surrender to God; prepare for a time of spiritual decision making, and to express discipline over our physical lives.

Begin praying about whether or not God is calling you to fast with us. See you at Commitment Weekend!

Martha

Scripture ABC's

2009-11-12T10:53:31-08:00

If you were able to join us at C3 this weekend, you know I talked quite a bit about the importance of memorizing scripture. Scripture memory is a great way to get God's Word in your children's hearts and minds. But, memorizing scripture is not just for children, it's for adults too. I believe that the wisdom we need for every situation is found in God's Word, but the problem is a lot of times, we don't know what God's Word says.

So, as I mentioned in this weekend's message, here is one way to teach your children scripture (and their ABCs). You can take one a week and memorize and then as you go down the list, continue to review the scripture for each of these letters.

When I was a little girl, this is how I learned my ABC's and I still remember these scriptures. It's a great tool, moms and dads!

Scripture ABC’s

A All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Rom. 3:23

B Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved – you and your household. Acts 16:31

C Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Ephesians 6:1

D Do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12

E Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right. Proverbs 20:11

F Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. Isaiah 43:1

G Give thinks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

H Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12

I “I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart form me you can do nothing. “ John 15:5

J Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

K Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Psalm 34:13

L Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is none else. Isaiah 45:22

M Marvel not that I say unto you, you must be born again. John 3:7

N No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Matthew 6:24

O O Lord God Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty, O Lord, and your faithfulness surrounds you. Psalm 89:8

P Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:11

Q Quench not the spirit. I Thessalonians 5:19

R Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six day you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. Exodus 20:8-10

S Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

T Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

U Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, and Mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6-7

V Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. “Therefore if your enemy is hungry feed him, if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:19-2

W Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14

X He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. Ephesians 3:20

Y You are the light of the world…Le your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven. Matthew 5:14-16

Z Zion hears and rejoices and the villages of Judah are glad because of your judgments, O Lord. For you, O Lord, are the Most High over all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods. Psalm 97:8-9

Two Big Weekends

2009-11-10T12:47:34-08:00

As we conclude our UpRising series, we have two big weekends coming up at C3. The first is Commitment Weekend, which is this weekend, and Miracle Offering Weekend on November 21 and 22.

As we get ready for these weekends, remember to...

Pray - We are challenging each of you to join us a for three days of praying and fasting November 15-18 as we pray and believe for God to do the impossible. Then on 20/20 Night (November 18), we are going to come together as a church body for a night of prayer.

Commit - This weekend (November 14 and 15) we are going to be turning in our Commitment Cards during each of our four services.

Give - On November 21 and 22 we will celebrate through giving at our Miracle Offering Weekend. Begin praying about what God would have you give that weekend.

Matt and I love sharing the 2010 Vision with each of you and made a video to share from our hearts about all we are praying and believing God wants C3 to do in 2010. The best is yet to come!

Keys to Healthy Parenting

2009-11-08T19:03:05-08:00

This weekend Matt gave me the awesome privelege of speaking on 'keys to healthy parenting'. I am so thankful for his leadership in our church and our family. I am the wife and mom I am today because of his leadership.

If you joined us this weekend, you know I didn't quite get to all my points, so here are the three main points of the sermon and some practical steps to follow for each point. Click on this link and I will talk you through the main points or, you can also check out the live feed for the full message.

Remaining points-click here to listen

1. Start Now –

2 Timonthy 3:15 (NLT) You have been taught by the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.2 Timonthy 3:15 (NLT) You have been taught by the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Joshua 1:8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.Joshua 1:8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

*Parents, if you want your kids to be successful in math and history, encourage them to memorize scripture. His Word promises success and prosperity if we do.

*Dad’s especially need to read God’s Word to your kids.

*Mom & dads who have little kids – let them act out the stories. Read Queen Esther to your daughters – let her act it out and be the princess.

*Read about David killing Goliath/War stories from the Old Testament – Gideon who became a mighty warrior

*Get kids worship CDs- fill your home and your car with praise and worship.

*Put your kids in children's ministry and student ministry - we are here to partner with your kids. Allow us the opportunity to do that. You don't let your kids choose whether or not they will go to school, so don't let them choose not to go to children' church. Be the parent!

2. Live Consistently –

Psalm 145:13 (NIV)….The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made…

Psalm 145: 17 (TLB) The Lord is fair in everything he does and full of kindness

*We try to be the same at home and at church. Don’t be satan during the week and try to be saintly at church.

*Be consistent in discipline – don't threaten and not follow through. Do what you say you are going to do.

*Inconsistent parents produce insecure children and bitter children.

*Most of what a child learns is caught, not taught - what do they see you doing?

*You want them to read the Bible - you have to read the Bible - be the leader in your home

*Pray - for your kids and with your kids

*Serve - join a ministry team and let them see you making God's House a priority

*Blow it – there will be times you need to ask your kids for forgiveness because you've blown it - there will also be times you need to extend forgiveness because your kids has blown it.

*Love your spouse – how do you want your son to treat his wife? How do you want your daughter to be treated? That is how you should love your spouse.

3. Look for teachable moments -

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NLT) And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.

*Show them God in every teaching situation (even when you discipline)

What are we working on now?

*It’s a new season – we are not home schooling 2 of our 3; we have one in high school one in middle school and one in elementary – new phase of life and we are seeking God for wisdom along the way.

Family Nights - We want to be intentional to build our relationships with our kids.

Family Meetings - We are all busy and a family meeting allows you to be proactive.

Family Traditions - being intentional with vacations.

What stage is your family in? Start there. Seek Godly wisdom and advice from HIs word. We believe that the Bible has the solution to everything we go through in life. Be in God's Word and allow Him to teach you how to be Godly parents.

Remember, there are no perfect parents, but we have a perfect Father who loves us and is cheering us on!

Martha

UpRising Continues...Marriage & Family

2009-10-30T14:18:21-07:00

This weekend I get the pleasure of team-teaching with Matt on Marriage and Family as we continue the UpRising Series. We will speak from God's Word, and add in a little of our own experiences!

We hope that you can join us for one of our services - Saturday at 6pm, Sunday at 9:30 and 11:30am at our Clayton Campus and Sunday at 10:30am at our Raleigh Campus.

Here's a fun video our team put together of sermons we've taught together on marriage. Should be fun!

See you this weekend!

Uprising Marriage Video from C3 Church on Vimeo.

ARC All Access Conference on GodTV

2009-10-26T10:24:56-07:00

In April, C3 had the awesome opportunity to host the 2009 ARC All Access Conference. Pastors, staffs, and church members from all over the US joined together for three days and heard powerful teaching from pastors such as Pastor Ed Young Jr or Fellowship Church, Pastor Rick Bezet of New Life Church, and our very own, Pastor Matt Fry!

We found out last week that GodTV will be airing portions of this Conference TODAY and TOMORROW. I strongly encourage you to watch the conference live or record it for later viewing. For a highlight, check out this video. If you have DirectTV, GodTV is on Channel 365 or you can stream it online at www.god.tv/stream (Free Account Required)

Speaking Schedule/Topic:

Matt Fry - "The Heart" - Airing Monday, October 26 at 9pm; Tuesday, October 27 at 2am; Tuesday, October 27 at 1:30pm

Rick Bezet - "A Life Giving Church" - Airing Tuesday, October 27 at 9pm; Wednesday, October 27 at 2:30am

Ed Young Jr - "Betrayal" - Airing Monday, October 26 at 4:30pm

Happy 8 Day!

2009-10-16T12:51:21-07:00

Eight days from today is Friend Weekend! This year we are doing things a little different and having a tailgate party each service. It is going to be tons of fun with food, games, and fellowship! But the most exciting part of the weekend is that our campus will be full of first time guests, and they will all be your friends!

Come early, wear your favorite jersey, bring your outdoor games, food and friends! We will also be providing hot dogs for you and your friends.

This week, continue to make phone calls, send emails, have conversations...get the word out about Friend Weekend!

Brian Regan is one of our favorite comedians, so I wanted to share this video ciip!

Happy 8 Day!

Martha

Chick Night Thanks!

2009-10-14T14:23:51-07:00

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20

It is so appropriate that this was one of Matt's key verses this weekend in our UpRising series because this verse describes what we experienced at Chick Night on Sunday night. Once again, God took the expectation and hope that we had for Chick Night and He completely blew us away with His power! From the time we started planning until the last person went home, Chick Night was a supernatural evening! It was an Ephesians 3:20 experience from start to finish!

There are so many people to thank that the best way I knew how was to write a blog to say THANK YOU to all of you at once!

To Matt, thank you for believing in me and the women of C3 enough to encourage us to have Chick NIght and to be there to support us! We are so blessed to have a leader that believes in women!

To the vendors, thank you for sharing your business with the women of C3 by investing your time and displaying your products at Chick Night. Having you there took Chick Night to a whole new level and we pray that your business will be blessed in an Ephesians 3:20 way!

To the Worship Team and Dance Team, thank you for using the gifts and talents that God gave you to lead His daughters in worship. It was obvious that you were leading out of the overflow of what God was doing in you!

To the women who spent months planning with me behind the scenes, thank you for taking your time and your talents and using them to serve God. In His Kingdom, nothing is done 'behind the scenes' and He sees everything that you do for Him!

To the volunteers that served on the First Touch teams, Tech teams, and in the Cafe/Source, thank you for using your gifts to serve above and beyond the weekend. Because you were there, the night was possible!

To the volunteers who helped design the t-shirts, giveaway and the stage design, thank you for using your amazing gifts of creativity! Expectations were exceeded!

To all of you who brought non-perishable food items, thank you for partnering with us so that we can reach out and be a blessing to moms and families who are in need this time of year. Almost 3,000 items were collected to bless several local ministries!

If you weren't able to make it to Chick Night or if you want to watch it again :), you can check it out by going to the live feed. Click on 'On Demand' and scroll down to the last video on the list and that's Chick Night!

The greatest thanks goes to our Heavenly Father for loving us & pursuing us!

Remember ladies, you have a Heavenly Father who loves you!

Martha

Countdown to Chick Night!

2009-10-09T06:48:41-07:00

Hey Ladies! The Countdown to Chick Night has begun! We are only TWO days away! This night is going to be a great opportunity for us to come together as women and be encouraged, strengthened and challenged in our relationship with Christ!

Be praying for who to invite, what God wants to do in your life, and for the many women and families that will be impacted as we come together to worship Him!

Chick Night Web Video from C3 Church on Vimeo.

And, come early because we have many gifted women in our church who God has blessed with great businesses that will be set up in the lobby before and after the service. So, get here early to register, visit the vendors, and enjoy coffee in the Cafe'. Then, head to the Worship Center because when the countdown starts, the fun will begin!

Don't forget - 6:00pm this Sunday night in the Worship Center - bring your friends, bring your non-perishable food items, and bring an expectant heart, and I'll see you there!

Can't Wait!

Chick Night Countdown!

2009-10-02T07:52:28-07:00

In less than 10 days from today, we will be gathering together again for Chick Night! I cannot wait to join together with each of you again! You can still stop by the Information Center this weekend and get invite cards to pass out to friends, neighbors, and co-workers.

Also, for our Chick Night outreach, we are collecting non-perishable food items to stock local food pantries and provide for families in need in time for the holiday season.

We contacted the food pantries, and here is a list of their most needed items...

Applesauce

Bags of Flour & Sugar (5lb)

Boxes of Iodine Salt

Canned Fruit

Canned Vegetables

Canned Meat (tuna, chicken)

Canned Soups

Cereal

Dried Beans

Juice Boxes

Peanut Butter & Jelly

Pasta (dry & canned)

Powdered Milk

Rice, Beans, Pasta

Thank you in advance for partnering with us as we reach out to the Clayton and Raleigh Community! If you would like to volunteer your time to help deliver the food to our local food pantries, please email me (martha@c3church.com).

Oh, and we have a GREAT C3 Chicks t-shirt that will be available to purchase at Chick Night! Make sure you stop by and pick one up for yourself!

Martha