What We’re Doing This Month:
During August we will be celebrating the return of the youth team from Ipala, Guatemala and hearing all about their recent trip. We’ll also look ahead to some exciting future plans for our evolving partnership with the people of Ipala.
Then we will begin a series exploring the Book of Micah. This eighth century (BCE) Hebrew prophet was challenging the nation of Judah to return to true, heart-felt spirituality at a time of great political and sociological upheaval. We’ll look at some of the historical and cultural background to the book and then experience the challenge of Micah’s message through his themes of justice, mercy and humility and seek to apply those to our own lives today. This series will continue on into September, and on Labor Day weekend (September 4) children will join us in the main auditorium for an All Ages Together service. There will be opportunities for involvement for all ages. Our Wiggle Room will also be available in Room 202.
Sunday Message Speaker
Aug 7 Guatemala Report Youth Team
Series: The Book of Micah
Aug 14 Introduction Matthew Dyer
Aug 21 Act Justly Matthew Dyer
Aug 28 Love Mercy Matthew Dyer
Sept 4 All Ages Together Service Bryan Peterson
Sept 11 Walk Humbly Matthew Dyer
Join a Discipleship Group
Discipleship groups are an important part of how we live out our vision to follow Jesus. By gathering in small communities near where we live, we can support and care for each other, help one another grow spiritually and reach out to serve others together. It is our belief that we all need this kind of support and companionship and a closer connection to others than is possible in larger groups alone. If you are interested in joining a group visit the Discipleship Group table in the commons and fill out a contact form, or for more information contact Laura Moffitt.
Help Children Grow This Year
If you enjoy being around kids, we would love to have you join our Children’s Ministry Sunday Morning teams. Those serving on a Nursery Team provide a safe, consistent and predictable environment for babies and toddlers. Leaders on our Preschool Teams guide young children through a series of hands-on activities that help them learn about God, the world he has created, and ways we can show kindness to others. Leaders on our Elementary Teams engage children grades K-5 through discussions and active experiences that help them understand more about the story of God and the ways of Jesus. If you are interested in joining one of these teams, please contact Bryan Peterson by August 24.
Promotion Dates for Students
Parents and Students: Please mark your calendars. We have scheduled our student grade promotion dates for next year. Throughout the summer the students should remain with their current groups. On their promotion date students should first report to their current room and allow their leaders to ceremoniously walk them and help welcome them into their new group. For information please email Steve Mather for high school and Lisa Dyer for middle school.
Sunday ∙ August 21 (New 9th Graders) ∙ 11AM ∙ Barn
Sunday ∙ August 28 (New 6th Graders) ∙ 11AM ∙ Barn
Sunday ∙ September 11 (New Kindergarten and Elementary Students) ∙ 9 and 11AM ∙ Room 202
Spiritual Listening Retreat
Join us on Saturday, August 27, from 9AM to 4PM in the Cedar Ridge barn. Carve out a space from busy-ness to experience a time of personal refreshment, spiritual growth, and enjoying God's presence in community with others. Register in the commons after each service on August 7 and August 14. Cost is $10 to cover food and materials (scholarships available). Space is filling fast. Contact Patsy Frantanduono for more information.
Care Circle at Cedar Ridge
Care Circle is the group who read and pray with love and confidentiality for all the concerns submitted at the written prayer stations on Sunday mornings. They also send out cards to people connected to Cedar Ridge who are suffering from illness or grief, or to those who are in need of any kind of encouragement. They send notes of congratulation to those who have grown their family through the birth of a newborn or adoption. If you would like to contact Care Circle with a prayer request, news, or for information about how to join with their good work, email Ginnie McLaren or Bev Whitmer.
Opportunities to Serve
Property Workdays: Every other Saturday (August 13 and August 27) from 8AM-noon is the time when our community gathers to care for our buildings and land. Contact Mark Hartley to join us.
Coffee Brewers: We need one or two more people who can brew our Sunday morning coffee once a month, from 8AM to 11AM. Please contact Kirk Hoffman if you can help with this service.
Greeters: Greet and meet people (one or more times a month) as they arrive for church on Sunday mornings. Contact Kirk Hoffman for more information.
Important Dates
August 15: Discipleship Group Leaders Forum
Calling all discipleship group leaders: Please come to this important meeting to give your feedback about how things are going with discipleship in your group and how we can support you better and improve what we are doing. In particular, we are looking for feedback that will help us plan future discipleship series. Contact Matthew Dyer for more information.
Monday ∙ August 15 ∙ 7—9PM ∙ Barn
August 18: Prayer Practice
The third Thursday of each month we gather for a time of spiritual refreshment and growth as we explore methods of prayer that help us to be more deeply aware of God's presence and love in our lives. All are welcome to join us.
Thursday ∙ August 18 ∙ 7—9PM ∙ Barn
August 21: Summer Quarterly Leaders Gathering
This quarterly gathering of leaders from all areas of our church community is an important meeting in which we will share encouraging, inspiring and community building time together.
Sunday ∙ August 21 ∙ 12:45—3PM ∙ Barn
Cedar Ridge Farm
The farm is in full summer production mode. We are harvesting greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, beans and squash three times a week and delivering the food to people in need. It's a great year. What the farm needs most right now is the support, prayer and presence of our congregation. If you can, please come and spend some time - wander the rows, pick a tomato, and have a picnic with friends or family. Just spend some time out there, thinking about the farm and feeling God's presence in that special place. You can also check the main Cedar Ridge calendar to find a time when a farm team member will be there too. Come harvest or water or deliver too, if you like - but just come.
Feeding the Homeless
Did you know the first Saturday in every month Cedar Ridge Community Church partners with the Salvation Army to deliver meals on a grate patrol for the Hungry in Washington, DC? A different group at Cedar Ridge takes on the responsibility of preparing and delivering the food each month. We are currently looking for additional groups to help with this effort. If you'd like to learn more about this program email Yohance Ford.
Calendaar
Sunday, Aug. 7 All Ages Together
Saturday, Aug.13 Property Workday
Monday, Aug. 15 Discipleship Group Leaders Forum
Thursday, Aug. 18 Prayer Practice
Sunday, Aug. 21 Summer Quarterly Leaders Gathering
Promotion of 8th Graders to High School Group
Saturday, Aug. 27 Spiritual Listening Retreat
Property Workday
Sunday, Aug. 28 Promotion of 5th Graders to Middle School Group
Sunday, Sept. 4 All Ages Together
Saturday, Sept. 10 Property Workday
Sunday, Sept. 11 New Kindergarten and Elementary School Student Promotions
Saturday, Sept. 24 Property Workday
Burtonsville Day