Life in the Grove

As we grow, the time between good bouts of fun and laughter grows, too…But their value remains immeasurable…because there are few things in life as important as joy, friends, and the sound of laughter
(Author unknown)

Has it been a while since you laughed? How about that deep down belly laugh, where you can’t breathe? You know the one, well…at retreat, we laugh, we cry and we laugh some more. Won’t you join us for our annual retreat where friends and laughter are abundant.

This year we will hear from Patti Pierce as she encourages women to “light or reignite a fire in women so they will choose to be more intentional in cooperating with God in the process of transformation”.

If you are interested please sign up by contacting Pam Brown.

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Join thousands of couples all across the country as we celebrate God’s design for commitment. At this marriage strengthening simulcast we will tackle Christianity’s biggest challenges—empowering you and your spouse to stay faithful, committed and encouraged in your marriage. - Focus on Marriage

Our neighbors at Valley Bible Church will be hosting “Live Via Satellite” this conference on marriage. If you are interested in joining you can sign up for the conference online.

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Starting January 12, we will be offering a very special 6-week course called PathLight. Every Monday night during this time will bring a different speaker, each with an exciting and unique ministry taking the gospel around the world or into a local urban mission field. The course also includes activities and written material that lay out the biblical, historical, strategic, cultural, and partnership aspects of God’s plan for the world and how He is carrying it out. The speakers, activities, and material are all aimed at helping you see how God is working around the world and recognizing your own unique role in cooperating with God to fulfill His purposes. The cost for this course is $110. There is a table in the lobby at church with registration info or you can talk to Carolyn Bailey or Carolyn Pura for more information.

Click here for more information and the registration form.

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As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. 1 Samuel 12:23

Samuel, the Judge and prophet of Israel, first said those words. Herb Pedigo, Pastor at Cedar Grove, has lived those words. It’s a perfect description of the ministry Herb has offered to the Lord these past 30 years. As he retires at the end of 2008, I can’t think of a better way to honor him than by living out the legacy he has built by faithfully praying for us and for teaching us all how to live in a way that pleases the Lord.

Herb’s legacy begins with prayer. Consistently, tirelessly he has prayed over the names in our church directory, the names of those he loves and disciples and serves alongside. No one has been more faithful in prayer than Herb.

Herb has taught us how to live. He consistently taught Christ-like living in his home. I have watched with joy and respect as the Pedigos cared for their own children while opening their home to countless others. Their home has been a safe haven for many, and a place to see God’s love, grace and compassion lived out.

Herb began his Pastoral career at CGCC as the Youth Pastor. He changed a fledgling high school group at a small church into a dynamic, active program. You can ask Dan Siemens, Tony Sorensen, Dan and Kelly Curtis, Clifford Adams, or Deanna (Adams) Hill about Herb’s youth program, as they were all a part of it! The elders saw the quality of his ministry and asked him to be part of the staff.

It didn’t take long for drama to get stage time in Herb’s ministry. Beginning with performances of plays such as The Robe, the King’s Players carried on a ministry spanning three decades. Each play taught us something about how to live in faith and obedience, in tears and in laughter, and with abandon in the roles God has called us to live. The ministry has been valuable to those who participated, those of our congregation who watched, and the community who came through our doors and felt welcomed and challenged.

Herb has taught us from the pulpit. He has taught us in his office in private conversations. Our lives have been enriched. I will always be grateful for Herb’s ministry and friendship.

There are many holes that Herb will leave behind, and we know that God will supply people to fill them in new and creative ways. But one problem remains unsolved: where will we find another continuous source of bad jokes?

Herb and Cheryl, we will miss you. As you head off to this new adventure in your Christ-following journey, we will pray for you, knowing that your legacy will continue wherever you go.

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CEDAR GROVE 2009 MISSIONS TRIPS
INFORMATION LUNCH MEETING
Sunday, Dec. 7,  12:15–1:45 pm Room 101

Cedar Grove will have two opportunities to work with our missionaries overseas this coming year.  The first is May 1-17, 2009.   Tim Fuller will be leading a team of Cedar Grove volunteers to Fontaine L’Eveque (Bishop Fountain) outside of Brussels, Belgium. This project is a continuation of a 2005 Cedar Grove team trip that Tim Fuller was a part of, working with Kim Garrity of Greater Europe Missions on a church building renovation project. The congregation named the project “Olivier” (olive branch) which strives to bring an airy, light space to this particularly dark area of Belgium (both physically and spiritually). This year, our Cedar Grove team hopes to work on the latest phase of this project by tearing down a wall leading into a glass atrium area which will relieve an already cramped sanctuary. 

Tim shares: “This will be my 6th trip working with Greater Europe Mission. If you don’t mind getting a little dirty and would like the opportunity to stay with families, discover their culture, share meals and worship with them, I hope you will join me. I can’t tell you how much being a part of Euro team has enriched my life. I’ll see you there.”

The second opportunity we will be highlighting at the Information meeting, is a Cedar Grove missions trip this coming summer to Little Flock Orphanage in India.  The team will be led by Carolyn Pura, a board member of Little Flock Orphanage, who has been there many times herself and keeps in close contact with the orphanage.  There is much work to be done at the orphanage site. From all reports, a couple of weeks of interacting with the children and staff and you’ll be ready to go back again!  Carolyn will share all the details and pictures to help you consider how you could be a part of this—praying, giving or going! 

Mark your calendars for Sunday December 7th 12:15–1:45 pm in Room 101.  Come and find out more about both upcoming trips. There will be lots of information, pictures and video, as well as an opportunity for you to ask all your questions as you consider becoming involved.  Lunch will be served.

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