Clay Church E-News
Worship Together! this Sunday at 9:15 and 10:45 a.m.                      September 2, 2014 Edition

Every day, they met together in the temple and ate in their homes. They shared food with gladness and simplicity.  They praised God and demonstrated God's goodness to everyone. The Lord added daily to the community those who were being saved.
  Acts 2:46-47 (CEB)


Welcome to the newly-redesigned Clay Church E-News!  We hope that you will enjoy this new way of looking at the spiritual and connectional activites of our vibrant faith community.  Information is now 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 is our first Worship Together Sunday!  All children and youth, 1st grade and up, will join their families in worship.  Pastor Brian will kick off The Practice Field series, and we will celebrate Holy Communion.

 
This Sunday is a Worship Together Sunday, and Firehouse students will be joining the whole congregation at Clay North for 9:15 and 10:45 a.m. Communion services.



This Sunday at FaithWorks! all children 1st-5th grade will Worship Together with their families in the sanctuary!  Nursery, Preschool and Kindergarten will still have FaithWorks!, so they can be checked-in as usual!

 

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. 

 Project WARM

Though the calendar (and the weather) still say summer, colder weather will return sooner than we realize!  That means it is time to start preparing for Project WARM, the South Bend community's outreach and shelter ministry to homeless men.  

You can help by purchasing men's socks, or by gathering gently-used men's sweatshirts, sweaters, jeans and boots as you clean out your closet preparing for fall.  Put them in the Blue Barrels in the lobby of Clay North on your way into worship.  

Above all, pray for the volunteers who run this ministry and the men whose lives will be changed this winter.  

Learn more on Project WARM's Facebook page


connections
Building Connections in Home and Church

Young Adult Gatherings Coming Up!

Hey Young Adults, 35 and under!  Mark your calendar for one of these gatherings with Pastor Brian and Lucas Miner:  Wednesday, September 10, at 6:30 p.m. at the Heritage Square Martins Side Door Deli, or Friday, September 12, at 6:30 p.m. at Clay North.  Save the date and watch for more details soon!

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.

Looking for FaithWorks! 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.

Help Keep People Connected

We need your help in updating our list of shut-ins.  E-mail Caring Community Director Cindy Uhrich if you know of someone who would welcome a visit from a member of our Caring team.


faithGrowing in Faith

Study Opportunities Abound this fall at Clay Church! 

Choose the one that fits your interest or your schedule:

Sunday morning Study and Discussion Group returns September 21 at 10:45 a.m. in Clay North Classroom 102A, reading The Faces of Jesus by Frederick Buechner. Contact Linda Brookshire for more information at [email protected].

Tuesday evening Women's Study Group begins September 
9, Clay NorthLibrary, 6-8 p.m., using A Woman's Heart God's Dwelling Place by Beth Moore. Contact Debbie DeLaurelle for more information at [email protected]

Spark, the Wednesday evening Women's Study Group, begins September 17, Clay North Library, 7-9 p.m., reading The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. This group meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month. The purpose of Spark is to not only strengthen our faith through Bible study, but to also be the hands and feet of Jesus within the community and Clay. We will discuss service projects that we would like to pursue in the next year Contact Joni Kanzler for more information at [email protected].

Friday Morning Women's Life classes begins on September 12, 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. Contact Donna Cleppe to for more information or to register at[email protected].

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!


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!

It's Time for a Cafe Bake-Out!

Do you have an urge to bake?  The freezer for the Cafe at Clay North is looking a little empty, so we need some help to restock our supply.  If you would be willing, please bake two dozen cookies or brownies, or a loaf of banana bread, or any other yummy treat of your choice, and bring it on Sunday to the Clay Cafe. 

Sunday morning coffee or tea wouldn't be the same without something tasty to munch!

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faithworks
faithworksFaithWorks!  News

Your Child Is Invited to Learn More About Holy Communion!

For our first Worship Together service next Sunday, we want to make sure that children understand what Communion means. On Thursday, September 4, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Clay North, Pastor Brian and Karen Grant will talk with kids about why we celebrate this sacrament, what it means, and what you do when you come forward. This event is open to all children 6 years and older, and parents are welcome to stay!   Register by clicking on this registration link from the "Life Links" page of the claychurch.com website.

FaithWorks! Praise Team Boot Camp

September 7 from Noon-5:00 p.m. in the FaithWorks! Center.  All 1st-5th graders are invited to be a part of the FaithWorks! praise team. Boot Camp is required to be a part of this ministry team.  Lunch is provided.  More info at www.faithworksinfo.com/fw-happenings.

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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