Weekly Newsletter March 19

On St. Patrick’s Day, 1998, I was involved in a serious car accident. Both myself and my passenger, a good friend, sustained injuries. My friend’s injuries were much worse than my own. 

The accident was my fault, and I was filled with remorse that my error had caused harm to someone else. But my friend simply said to me, “They call it an accident for a reason.” She knew that the accident was unintentional. She knew that I was suffering from the guilt I felt. She was merciful to me, and I have never forgotten that.

The memory of that experience has come back to me many times. When I perceive that someone has wronged me, I try to always stop and think about the other person’s perspective. Most of the time, when someone has hurt me, I know that the hurt was not intentional. Because of my friend’s kindness and compassion toward me….in spite of her own pain…I learned a real lesson about mercy. My friend took into consideration what was in my heart, and she met me in my pain.

Our loving God is a merciful God. So many times, in our lives, our God, rather than giving us a punishment or dealing with us in anger, shows mercy toward us. God meets us where we are, and instead of turning away, welcomes us with open arms.

God even chose to send Jesus to suffer on our behalf, so that we could experience the full scope of God’s mercy.

We are all the recipients of that amazing love. This week, think about someone in your life who could benefit from you meeting them, in their own struggle, and showing God-like mercy.

Easter Basket Outreach

Easter Baskets return! Join Ginger Carroll and her team to generate smiles for children of women in area shelters. Now collecting thur March 28. Drop off anytime at the Bear Campus.

Outdoor Easter Sunrise Worship

COVID Vaccines

Over 50? We are pleased to announce we will be offering the COVID vaccine. Call either church campus office at 302 836-2862 (Bear) or 998-4584 (Elsmere) to get on the list Or, use the link below to sign up on our website.

Dates and times yet to be determined.

LOVE. Worship God with us.

• In-Person at Bear Campus, Saturday 6pm and/or Sunday 9AM
• In-Person at Elsmere Campus, Sunday 11AM
• Online Campus, Sunday 9 & 11AM at ctcde.online.church

SERVE.

• What in the world are you here for? Discover your spiritual gifts at 
• Volunteer to serve during weekend services. Contact Lynne Poindexter. 

ENGAGE.

• Meet people with similar interests, needs, and passions. Contact Crissy Carroll. 
• Pray for others, encourage, and give care to others. Contact Pastor Vaughn.
• Information for Children Ministries: Contact Toni Rayfield
• Information for Student Ministries: Contact Daniel Carroll

I’d like to finish with this prayer for you: Thank you, Lord God, for the mercy you have for each of us. You are always seeking to meet us in our pain and sorrow. Encourage those who are broken-hearted and looking for compassion, and may your Holy Spirit inspire us to be instruments of your love, compassion and mercy. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

- Pastor Sharon