Clay Church E-News
Adult Worship this Sunday at 9:15 and 10:45 a.m.                                  August 26, 2014 Edition

I ask - ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory - to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him -  endless energy, boundless strength!
  Ephesians 1:15-19 (The Message)


Welcome to the newly-redesigned Clay Church E-News!  We are please to present a new way of looking at the spiritual and connectional activites of our vibrant faith community.  Information will be grouped under the headings of Building Connections in Home and Church, Growing in Faith, and Sharing with our Community, to reflect opportunities to grow in our relationships, our faith, and our service to others.  We have added a Ministry Focus, to highlight an opportunity for prayer or faithful service each week.  And we continue to provide information on FaithWorks! for our children and Firehouse for youth ministries.  

We hope that these changes will help you to find information more easily, and that it will be more timely and useful to you. If you have questions or comments, please e-mail Communications Director Joan Laiman.

Thank you for reading, and for growing with Clay Church!
 
topThis Week at Clay Church


This Sunday at Clay North, Caring Community Director Cindy Uhrich will continue our "What Matters" series with "Faith Matters."


 
This Sunday at Firehouse, we're helping students learn what it means to be the person God created them to be, instead of the person their peers think they should be.



This Sunday at FaithWorks! we continue our FaithWorks! Rocks! series and all ages will be learning to show love for self.  We'll kick off our morning with some yoga & exercises and then take a deep look at ourselves and discover just how wonderfully made we are.
 
ministryfocusMinistry Focus

Each week, we will highlight a Ministry Focus area.  This may be an opportunity for you to do something, or an opportunity to pray and grow in faith. 

 Swanson Primary Center

... needs ministry partners to mentor children one time per week or serve as a willing pair of hands for a classroom teacher.  Classroom partners and mentors receive training and are welcomed based on days and times that fit within their schedule.  The invitation to serve as a ministry partner extends to those who travel to warmer climates in the winter months, too!  

Wendy Folk, Clay member and Swanson principal, is also seeking energetic and caring individuals to serve as paid lunch room and playground supervisors from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. each day.  Please e-mail Wendy Folk to indicate your interest!  

 

connections
Building Connections in Home and Church

Tapachula Team Celebration!

 

The Tapachula Teen Mission Trip group would like to share their experience with you!  Please join us for a night of stories, pictures, movies from our time at the childrens' homes and dessert! Sunday, September 7 at 7:00 p.m. at Firehouse/Clay South!
Family Movie Night September 13th!

Please join us Saturday, September 13th, for "Heaven is For Real" at the All-Church Family Movie Night!

 

We have seen many inspirational movies together over the last few years, but this is definitely one of the most eye- and heart-opening. Out of the mouths of babes come some of life's greatest truths.  This movie is based on a true story and follows young Colton's near-death experience and how it affects his family, the community they live in, and maybe you and your loved ones, too!

 

WE INVITE YOU TO BRING YOUR KIDS, THEIR STUFFED ANIMALS AND BLANKIES! There will be plenty of space down front for the kids to stretch out and see the story of someone their own age who learned God has prepared for us.


Heaven is for Real - Trailer
Heaven is for Real - Trailer

 

TIME - Meet for fellowship @ 6:30 & the movie starts promptly @ 7:00 p.m.

PLACE - Clay Church - North Campus

 

Refreshments will be provided by the Wednesday Night Journeymen's Small Group.  Donations to Clay's Food Pantry will be gratefully accepted. 

 

And, we want to thank all the folks who joined us last month to watch the movie "Gifted Hands," the true story of Dr. Ben Carson and his heroic efforts to overcome a disadvantaged life through his faith.  Our group collected $40 and several bags of food for the Pantry. Ben would be pleased!

 

Reply here with "MOVIE" in the subject line if you'll be there.

Care for Others with the Gift of a Meal


Could you provide a home-cooked meal once in awhile to a friend in need?  Someone who has been hospitalized, had a baby, or lost a loved one?  If so, then you can be part of our new Meal Ministry, caring for congregation members experiencing life's challenges with a home-cooked meal.  To participate, e-mail Caring Community Director Cindy Uhrich with the keyword "MEAL" on the subject line, or call Cindy at 574-272-8083, ext. 115.  Thank you for caring for others with the gift of comforting, nourishing food! 


faithGrowing in Faith

Fall Yoga Spiritual Practice Classes Starting!

Would you like the stamina and strength to go for a long fall hike, or be relaxed and calm preparing for that big family gathering?   Then consider trying one of our yoga classes at Firehouse/Clay South. Starting September 2, Tuesday morning 8:00-9:00 a.m. (please note new time we are trying out); starting September 4, Thursday evening 6:00-7:00 p.m.  The cost is $25.00 for the month or $7.00 for one class. See you on the mat!
Registration Continues for Fall Friday Morning Women's Life Classes!

The fall session of Friday Morning Women's Life classes begins on September 12th, with two studies:  Missing Pieces: Real Hope When Life Doesn't Make Sense by Jennifer Rothschild, or To Live Is Christ:  The Life and Ministry of Paul by Beth Moore. Register on the "Life Links" page of Clay's website by clicking here by September 3rd - bring a friend with you!  Or email Donna Cleppe if you have further questions.  

 

communitySharing with our Community

Clay North Shuttle Service Begins September 7 
 
To provide spaces for visitors and guests at both services from September through May, we offer a convenient shuttle service that runs from Swanson Primary School parking lot (just east of the Clay North) to the front door. Shuttle service runs from 7:50 - 9:15 a.m. and from 10:15 - 10:45 a.m. We encourage everyone that is able-bodied to park in the Swanson lot and ride the shuttle!

And ... Shuttle Driver Needed!

A shuttle driver is needed for the second Sunday of the month. No special license is required but you must have a valid driver's license.

Gardeners - Share the Harvest!

Please consider donating your excess produce to Clay Church's Food Pantry. Bring your produce on Sundays to Clay North or drop off during the week at our offices at Clay South/Firehouse, 17646 Cleveland Road. Our Food Pantry is open on Mondays from 12-3 p.m. and on Thursdays from 9 a.m. -12 noon. Thank you for sharing your harvest!

Egg Cartons Needed!

The Food Pantry needs clean, empty egg cartons to package eggs for clients. Drop them off at Firehouse/Clay South during the week or the Connection Point on Sunday morning.

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faithworks
faithworksFaithWorks!  Looking for Check-In Volunteers!

We're looking for FaithWorks! Check-In volunteers to serve once a month.  We just need 15 minutes before the start of worship service until 15 minutes into service (30 minutes total) once a month.  

Please email Theresa Cass at or call her at 574-607-0861 if you're interested in welcoming our children on Sunday mornings.

firehouse Firehouse Youth Ministry

For 8th Graders:  The Confirmation Journey is Beginning

Confirmation preparations are starting now for youth in 8th grade!  This journey helps youth learn what it means to Live In Faith Everyday, and to embrace the opportunity to make their own personal commitment to being a follower of Christ and a Partner with Clay Church.  

Classes will be held at Firehouse on Sundays at 9:00 a.m.  There will be a Fall Confirmation Retreat September 6-7.  Though classes are starting now, the first "official" Confirmation Class will be on September 14 at Firehouse from 9:00-11:30 a.m.  If parents have not already done so, please e-mail Desi Ash, Junior High Youth Minister, today to sign your youth up for Confirmation!

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