Church guide

Over the past few weeks, we have heard some amazing stories from first-time visitors to Christ Church. One woman was invited by a friend. She was nervous and felt like she wouldn’t belong. The sermon that week was on belonging to the family of God. She felt like it was meant just for her. We also heard about a man who was also invited by a friend and came last week. He was adopted as a child and not a church go-er. The sermon that week was about how ALL who accept Jesus are adopted into God’s kingdom. He was surrounded by others just like him. Tomorrow, Pastor Ed’s message is “God’s Got One More Move”. Come and hear how God can move in your life and how God can move in the lives of others through you.

Get to know the staff of CCGF: Meet Doug Raraigh, High School Pastor Doug works full-time to reach teenagers for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in part because he remembers high school as the hardest time of his life. Doug leads Sunday night youth group for as many as 100 teenagers, with the goal of helping them become disciples so that they can reach their peers for Christ. It's not an easy time to be a teenager. Doug works to do life together and help teens see that the Christian lifestyle is authentic. Teens share their issues with Doug, who loves on them. He leads after-school clubs in five local schools, "showing God's love in a tangible way." He credits his volunteers for contributing this ministry. Doug is funny with an infectious laugh. He has great ideas and is always thinking about how to do something better and bigger. He is also smart and considerate. He will always take time to stop in to chat with coworkers and ask how they are doing, or convince them to get an Instapot, which is his newest favorite invention. Doug is the founder of Pittsburgh Youth Worker, an organization that connects, trains, and networks youth workers, churches and parachurch organizations in the Pittsburgh region. He loves Jesus, comic books, action figures and movies. He is married and has twin girls.

CCGF Adult Ed presents Sampler Sundays: A unique opportunity to sample some new speakers and thought-provoking topics! Classes are at 10:15 am in Fellowship Hall. Sunday, August 18 - Bible with Tim Keller “What a Prophet Teaches Us About Grace, Race and Social Justice”; Sunday, August 25 - Doctrine with Dr. Sinclair Ferguson “The Marrow Men”; Sunday, September 1 - Church History with Dr. Michael Reeves “Elizabeth and the Puritans”.

"There is so much more to this world than the hectic, time-constrained agendas that we create for ourselves." New on the blog today, "Through the Eyes of a Wanderer" by Cliff Cartwright.

Sermon Takeaway 8/11/19 Have you ever had the feeling that you don't belong? This feeling of awkwardness has no regard for social status, economic standing, or upbringing. Everyone has felt rejection. And everyone has a longing for belonging. God designed you for a relationship with Him. “Long before He laid down the earth’s foundation, He had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of His Love.” (Ephesians 1:4) God designed you to belong to His family. “God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what He wanted to do, and it gives Him great pleasure.” (Ephesians 1:5) You do have a place to belong. You are welcome in God's family. He is calling you. Don’t wait. Believe…Belong…Become. “Rejected and Received” Rev. Doug Raraigh Series: Unquenchable John 1:10-12 // August 11, 2019 Listen to the full sermon here: http://www.ccgf.org/unquenchable-week-6

Getting ready for the big worship conference this week at Christ Church. #ccgf #readyforit #pittsburghworshipinitiative

Get to know the staff of CCGF: Meet Kirsten Kopf Office Manager Everyone says it -- Kirsten's so mature for her age (22). Her upbringing in Tavistock Ontario, Canada, forced her to grow up fast. She left home at 15 due to substance abuse problems in the family. Kirsten says she wouldn't have changed the hardship or difficulties because they led her to Christ Church, her husband and "wonderful friends." Kirsten, who joined the church staff in 2019, is responsible for office management, calendar management, booking and rentals, ordering church supplies and managing bulk mailings (Bulk mailings are her favorite). She says she loves the people and Christ-centeredness at the church. She interacts with people in a friendly and easy-going manner. She doesn't even mind when people pronounce her name wrong (pronounced Kur-sten). Kirsten received her degree in student ministry from Geneva College. While in college, she worked as a trim carpenter for jobs such as apartment renovation and gazebo construction. Her favorite verse is Deuteronomy 6:5-6: " You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart."

Sermon Takeaway: Who introduced you to Jesus? Who invited you to church, to youth group, to Sunday school, or perhaps to a Bible study? We all remember who extended that very first invitation. Maybe someone you know is waiting for one. John the Baptist was sent by God to be a witness and to prepare the way for the Messiah. Jesus said of John, “I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist…” Matthew 11:11. His greatness was not of himself, for his purpose was to call people to repentance and to meet Jesus. Many of those who became followers of Jesus because of John, introduced others to Jesus, and that is how the Kingdom of God grows. Do you want to be great for God’s purpose? Be like John the Baptist. Introduce others to Jesus. Invite them to church, an activity, or a Bible study. All you have to do is extend the invitation and let God take care of the rest. Allow Him to change lives, through your obedience. “The Man Sent From God” Rev. Doug Raraigh Series: Unquenchable John 1:1-14 // August 4, 2019 Listen/watch the full sermon here: http://www.ccgf.org/unquenchable-week-5

Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God. — John 3:20-21

"There was a time when “becoming a teenager” was a big deal. The magic number was thirteen and caring about it was more a girl thing." New on the blog today, "The Corsage", a short story by Cece Poister. http://www.ccgf.org/the-corsage

Get to Know the Staff of CCGF: Meet Carla Batch, Director of Women's Ministries Carla is Christ Church's "Judge Judy." The Director of Women's Ministries sidelines as a Magisterial District Judge and worked previously as a Deputy Sherriff and Detective with the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office. Carla is by-the-book in court. In the church office, she shines as a woman of prayer and compassion, helping women grow in Christ and navigate the complexities of life. She also coordinates the WINN (widows) and Prayer Ministries. Carla is genuine and empathetic. She will drop everything to listen as long as you need. She will laugh with you and cry with you. In fact, she will cry with you even if you are not crying. She is the heart of the staff. In her free time, Carla loves to spend time with her family. They enjoy good meals, often prepared by son Jay, a grill master. The Batches are a competitive group that plays hard. "I am at my best when all of my family is under one roof at the same time," she says.

Sermon Takeaway 7/28/19 Are you discouraged, burned-out, or feel like you have failed? “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice.” Isaiah 42:3 Jesus comes to those who are bruised, burned-out, or have blown-it. There is a lot of pain in this world, but we don’t have to be victims of it. We can go to Jesus, and He will set us free. If we hold it in, we will sow anger, bitterness, sorrow, and disappointment for future generations. You must decide: Will you come to Jesus with your pain and brokenness, or will you keep hold of it, and pass along to future generations? “Hope for the Bruised” Rev. Dr. Ed Glover Series: Unquenchable Isaiah 42:1-4 // July 28, 2019 Listen/Watch the sermon here: http://www.ccgf.org/unquenchable-week-4

Happy birthday today to Pastor John! 83 years old and still has nicer hair than anyone else on staff.

This Summer, the staff has taken turns preparing lunch on Tuesdays. We've had ribs, tri-tip roast, ham, and sloppy joes so far. This week we had a taco bar (pics below) and we have a turkey dinner to look forward to in August. It's been so much fun and the staff has really gotten to bless each other by cooking, serving, and sharing meals together.

"Through all this, there are these moments where I'm looking -- just looking. Looking into the mirror (glad I ate those vegetables last night) or into my husband's eyes (does he really still laugh at that joke?)" New on the blog today, "Becoming" by Melissa Elizondo. http://www.ccgf.org/becoming

Get to know the staff of CCGF: Meet Robby Grunwald, Middle School Pastor Most people would say that middle school is the worst. Not Pastor Robby. Middle School is his where his heart is. He shepherds character during the critical faith-developing ages of 11-13. Robby has been growing and developing our middle school program for over 14 years, creating a Sunday morning program with donuts and Bible study, and a loud and fun Wednesday night program which includes cupcake wars and water slides. He also hosts many events throughout the year like movie nights and airsoft. He has created a safe environment where everyone is welcome. And after all, isn’t that what a middle school kid needs most? Originally from Dallas, Robby has traveled to Russia, Australia and throughout Europe. Robby enjoys movies and football. When pressed, he admits to liking the Dallas Cowboys but also roots for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Robby joined Christ Church in 2005. He and wife Michelle have two girls, Hannah and Adalyn.

Sermon Takeaway: "How dark would the world be if Jesus hadn't come?" All humans have conscience, knowledge of good and evil, of right and wrong. We were created for a relationship with God. He comes to us individually and personally, wherever we are. The darkness in the world is real, but more powerful is the light of our Lord Jesus Christ. He came to earth and entered into the darkness, a light for all mankind. He is standing at the door and knocking. Will you open the door? "The Light That Shines in the Darkness" Rev. Dr. John Guest Series: Unquenchable: The Prologue of John's Gospel John 1: 1-14 // July 21, 2019 Listen to the sermon here: http://www.ccgf.org/unquenchable-week-3

We celebrated the last day of camp with more water games, a cookout and a dance party! It's been a great week! Day five photos are uploaded at www.ccgf.org/camp-photos #Godisgood #sdc2019 #ccgf

It's our last day of camp and we're getting ready for a cookout! Thanks to our Women's and Men's Ministries for grilling and preparing lunch for our campers! #sdc2019 #ccgf

The weather today was perfect for outdoor water games and the huge slip n slide! Day four camp photos uploaded at www.ccgf.org/camp-photos

Summer Day Camp is less thank two weeks away and we need your help to make it the best camp yet! Volunteer or Donate here: http://ccgf17.publishpath.com/volunteer-for-summer-day-camp

One nation under God. Happy birthday America. #4thofjuly #celebratetheday #worshiptheLord

One nation under God. Moving tributes this morning as we celebrated America’s birthday at both the 9:00 & 11:15 am services. #celebratetheday #worshiptheLord

One nation under God. Moving tributes this morning as we celebrated America’s birthday at both the 9:00 & 11:15 am services. #celebratetheday #worshiptheLord

TONIGHT! The Watoto Children’s Choir at 6 pm in Wilson Hall. Admission is free. They gave us a little preview this morning at our services:

It's Youth Sunday this week at Christ Church. Here's why you should be excited:

Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at Christ Church at Grove Farm! #weseeyou #werememberyou

In honor of Mother's Day, we took a camera around on Wednesday evening and asked some of our kids about their moms. It's really cute. Enjoy!

How did we transform our Sanctuary from Traditional to Modern in 30 minutes? Check out the time lapse! Just a reminder that from now on our Traditional/Blended Service is at 9:00 am and our Modern Service is at 11:15 am. Both in the Sanctuary. #Godinthedetails #transformation

Thanks to everyone who came to our Daddy/Daughter Dance this year! We hope you enjoy this short highlight video. We're already looking forward to Daddy/Daughter Dance 2020!