I stood still gazing blindly toward a camera that no one could see.



We had travelled to Honduras on a mission trip. On one of our “fun days” we explored some caves that went deep into the rugged mountains. We slid through diagonal crevices slick with mud, but I’m not sure it was just mud. We waded waist-deep through murky waters without knowing what was floating--or swimming--past us. Only a few of us had flashlights. Cell phones were not invented yet. Someone had the bright idea to take a picture of the group inside the dark cave. We all settled in one spot for a photograph, the camera shutter clicked and the flash burst. When I had the film developed a couple weeks later (what’s film?), I was shocked to see the image. Thirty college students staring blankly in different directions, wide eyed trying to guess where the camera was and when it would click. Once it did, we all screamed because of the sudden flash of light burning our eyes. I wish I still had the picture to show you. But you’ll just have to use your imagination.

We need light! Jesus’ “life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” (Read John 1.)

Take a moment to think about the darkness you saw in our world today. Was it close by? In another family or even nation? Jesus’ light is in you when you trust in him. He said that no one lights a lamp and hides it under a bowl. Instead, they shine it into the dark places where it reveals what was hidden. (Now read Luke 8:16-17.) Jesus asks you to live the life he creates in you to bring light to others and cast away all darkness. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we do that all around the world. Do not be discouraged about your own life or others. Instead, trust Jesus with your life. Let him shine in yours to expose any lies you’ve been living. Turn toward Jesus. Follow his ways, and shine his light on everyone you meet.

In that cave that day, I realized even the smallest light would have guided me to focus on a friend’s face so I could take a better picture. Jesus wants to guide you into the life that he has for you, but you must follow his light. I’ll be glad to help you.

Let’s meet this weekend to encourage one another, and bring a friend to our Community Day at the Bear Campus. Food trucks, classic cars, carnival games, and inflatables will be here for you to enjoy friends and fun together. Come and join us and we’ll share the light of Jesus with all.

We are here to love God and all people so that all people may experience the

life-changing love of Jesus!

LOVE - We meet every weekend to experience God's love for us and show His love for others.

SERVE- We use our abilities, talents, skills, and passions for the good of others.

ENGAGE - We engage with friends to care for one another and to make new friends so they may experience God's kindness too. 

Divorce Care

Find hope and healing through divorce recovery. Meetings begin Sept. 21. Contact Crissy Carroll, ccarroll@ctcde.church for more information and to register. 

This Weekend!

Community Day

Sunday, September 19

10:30am-2:00pm

Invite a friend. Worship at 9:00AM then enjoy all kinds of fun!

Our Lord Jesus, we wake every morning to the sunshine you created. By our trust in you, you lead us to abundant life. We ask you to shine in and through us so that others may know your joy and eternal life. We pray this in your Holy Name. Amen. 

- Pastor Roger