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Publication of the Small Groups Ministry
Team
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June 1, 2008 |
Volume 12 Issue 2 |
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A Tale of a Diaper Bag…..
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| What motivates your actions? There are many
things that seem to motivate like work, family, friends,
recreation, church projects, and the list goes on and on. What
should motivate our actions? Only one thing: God's
unconditional love! |
God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we
were still sinners Christ died for us.
- Romans
5:8
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| This tale of a diaper bag begins with a simple
request that was motivated by God's unconditional love.
"Would you please place the Community Pregnancy Center on
your list of Community Outreach Ministries?" Certainly
this was no problem, but how effective is the list if people
cannot see the whole picture. In the twenty-first century we
are motivated by the visual and also acronyms. So what is
"CPC" and what do they do? This is where God stepped
in through His Holy Spirit and motivated the Small Group
Ministry Team to introduce our members to CPC through the
visual, piles and piles of diaper bags!! |
| The hearts of many people were touched even
though they only had a small idea of the many services and
Biblical presentation provided by the CPC. What motivated the
beautiful response of our church family? You are "right
on", God's unconditional love. All seventy bags left our
church with a loving heart and many who did not get one used
plastic shopping bags. |
| What does our filled diaper bag see when it
reaches the pregnancy center? It sees a young woman alone and
helpless facing an unplanned pregnancy. She is under extreme
pressure from outside sources and she has no money. She does
not know what to do. Whatever path she chooses will affect her
for the rest of her life. On the other hand our bag sees
trained practical support from loving people who provide
confidential services at no charge. They can help the young
woman explore all her options and make an informed decision
about her pregnancy. |
| Our precious bag listens carefully as our
distressed woman hears how the CPC can meet her physical,
emotional and spiritual needs immediately starting with a
pregnancy test. Our animated bag sees a list on a pamphlet
that was handed to our young woman which says she would
receive ultrasound, prenatal care, medical insurance
assistance, maternity clothing, baby clothing and furnishings,
childbirth classes, referrals to housing, legal and social
services, and an after hours helpline. |
| Our excited bag continues to peer around in
this one of three CPC facilities in San Jose and Mt. View. Not
only do they have a medical center in Mt. View, but they offer
free prenatal care if there is no medical insurance. They have
counselors if the young mother-to-be so chooses who will talk
to her parents, boyfriend, or husband. |
| Our inquisitive bag wants to learn more about
this place. What is an STD Clinic? Wow, there are those
initials again. This free testing service is for women, men,
and students who need testing for all those sexually
transmitted diseases. Other tests may be available at the
discretion of the physician. |
| The last thing our bag observes is a sign about
a "Hope Retreat". This is a small group setting with
post abortion non-judgmental recovery facilitators. The
subjects include the character of God, denial, anger,
depression, forgiveness, acceptance and much more. |
| Here is the CPC's mission statement: |
| We commit to speak the truth of Jesus Christ in
love to women and men. We commit to meet their physical,
emotional and spiritual need to the best of our ability, as
God enables us. We commit to support the local church and
community, presenting God's truth regarding the sanctity of
human life and sexual purity. |
| This enlightened diaper bag filled with love is
the hope that will reach a young mother who is hurt, confused,
and needs someone who cares. Thank you SFC people for
responding in a short time to this community need. |
| Valerie Hill, executive director of CPC,
expressed her deep appreciation for our support. A need in the
future will be a medical center at the Hillsdale facility.
This was revealed in an interview with the director when this
editor visited the center. The women must go to the Mt. View
CPC Medical Center for their monthly care that involves
transportation, work/school schedule problems. If you want to
help by donating funds to the future medical center, or your
small group would like to volunteer your services to one of
the three centers, contact our church representative, Marjo
Spencer. |
| The
Editor |
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Small
Group News
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Attention
Widows
Mary Henderson is starting a small group Bible study
for widows. If this is for you please give her a call at
408-867-1928. The time and day will be set by the group's
preferences. Two women are ready and waiting! |
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Books for
Reading
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 These
books are all completely contrasting. Read the descriptions
and discover which might interest you. |
- Dead Heat, by Joel C. Rosenberg (Tyndale House,
2008)
This is number five in a series entitled The Last
Jihad. The author's imagination is combined with first
hand military and political knowledge. In this political
thriller the author expresses that "evil has gathered
while the world slept". A reviewer expressed the
importance of paying attention to the rapidly changing
world through the lens of Biblical prophecy. This book is
not for the faint of heart.
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- Jesus, the One and Only, by Beth Moore (B & H
Publishing, 2002)
This is a beautiful description of the life of Jesus as He
lived on earth. The book of Luke is used to portray His
journey. Your heart will sing as the complete picture
unfolds.
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- The Prayer of Jabez for Teens, by Bruce Wilkinson
(Multnomah, 2001)
The little book with the big message is now in a format
for the teenager. The author shows how Jabez's ancient
prayer can help 21st century teens discover God's plan for
their lives. A ten-page study guide is in the back of the
book.
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| Do you have a book that you
have read that you would like to share with our readers? Send
the name, the author, the publisher, and the date of
publication to the editor below. |
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Community Outreach
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| Your small group has an opportunity to help these
ministries: |
Downtown Ministries
Joe and Marilyn Berg, or Jim Nichols |
Advent Ministries Group
Bob Leonard |
City Team Ministries
Jeff Cherniss, (408) 232-5600.
For an overview of needs and service for this ministry visit
their web
site. |
Robin Hood Ministries
Keith Fraker |
Community Pregnancy Center
Marjo Spencer |
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Reports Requested
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| Email news to Small
Talk editor, Sue Shannon. The deadline for the next issue is
August 1, 2008. |
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