Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Print Collateral: Coffee Sleeves
CCV has it's very own Starbuck's coffee shop where hundreds of church attendees stop by to get their caffeine kick. In a collaboration to promote Mission's Week, CCV created various coffee cup sleeves to raise awareness and create curiosity in missions. Here is what we came up with. (Click on the image to enlarge graphic and read text.)
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Short Story: Angels Among Us
Christ's Church of the Valley (CCV) likes to run short, 250-word stories in each weekend's bulletin to tie in with the sermon or events happening within the church. The approximate bulletin count is 9,500 every weekend.
Angels Among Us
There is no way to deny the facts. Did you know that every year in the U.S. there are over 3,000,000 reports of child abuse/neglect? In Arizona alone, last year there were 35,000 reports of child abuse/neglect. And currently in Arizona, there are over 10,000 children in the foster care system. These statistics should not only alarm you, but move you. There are little angels among us who need daily love and support.
CCV Members Jason and Shawna Seeger recognized this reality when they ventured out to Bulembu, Swaziland for a short-term mission trip last year. On their journey, they fell in love with the many orphans and wanted to adopt, but weren’t allowed to due to strict laws on foreign adoption. Instead, this couple came home with a new vision: To foster and/or adopt local children immediately.
“Each and every case is different, and there are many uncertainties. But one thing we know for sure: God continues to stretch us, bless us, and allow us to know how to love in a whole new way,” explains Shawna.
The Seeger family is currently caring for a baby girl. “We love her because we love God. It’s an amazing experience to be the physical arms that God needs us to be to hug her each and every day we have her. We will continue to provide foster care and/or adopt children as God continues to use us in this way,” the Seegers said in agreement.
If you are interested in foster care or adoption, CCV will host an orientation on Tuesday, May 26 at 6:30 pm in the Children’s Bldg. Christian Family Care will facilitate this meeting and can get you started on a new journey much like the Seegers. Also, the West Valley Foster & Adopt Support Group has a BBQ scheduled for May 31 from 2:30-6:30 pm and will be held on the CCV campus. Please visit WestValleyFosterAdoptSupportGroup.blogspot.com for more information or to register.
Angels Among Us
There is no way to deny the facts. Did you know that every year in the U.S. there are over 3,000,000 reports of child abuse/neglect? In Arizona alone, last year there were 35,000 reports of child abuse/neglect. And currently in Arizona, there are over 10,000 children in the foster care system. These statistics should not only alarm you, but move you. There are little angels among us who need daily love and support.
CCV Members Jason and Shawna Seeger recognized this reality when they ventured out to Bulembu, Swaziland for a short-term mission trip last year. On their journey, they fell in love with the many orphans and wanted to adopt, but weren’t allowed to due to strict laws on foreign adoption. Instead, this couple came home with a new vision: To foster and/or adopt local children immediately.
“Each and every case is different, and there are many uncertainties. But one thing we know for sure: God continues to stretch us, bless us, and allow us to know how to love in a whole new way,” explains Shawna.
The Seeger family is currently caring for a baby girl. “We love her because we love God. It’s an amazing experience to be the physical arms that God needs us to be to hug her each and every day we have her. We will continue to provide foster care and/or adopt children as God continues to use us in this way,” the Seegers said in agreement.
If you are interested in foster care or adoption, CCV will host an orientation on Tuesday, May 26 at 6:30 pm in the Children’s Bldg. Christian Family Care will facilitate this meeting and can get you started on a new journey much like the Seegers. Also, the West Valley Foster & Adopt Support Group has a BBQ scheduled for May 31 from 2:30-6:30 pm and will be held on the CCV campus. Please visit WestValleyFosterAdoptSupportGroup.blogspot.com for more information or to register.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Radio Spots: Radio Shine 90.9 FM
Christ's Church of the Valley (CCV) needed copy for 60-second radio spots showcasing different events and services for an 8-week weekend radio program . I wrote copy to promote the current weekend series titled "The Warrior", the Easter services, a new marriage series titled "Fireproof", a men's extreme adventure event titled "QUEST", and a general announcement promoting neighborhood groups within the church. Here is a sample of the text used to promote "Fireproof".
FIREPROOF SERIES
There no longer seems to be much of a stigma attached to divorce; it is now seen as an unavoidable rite of passage. In fact, 2008 statistics claim roughly 60% of marriages end in divorce. Second or third marriages have only about 20% of couples remaining happily married. A full eighty percent of repeat marriages end in divorce. Over one million children watch their parents divorce each year, and half of the babies born this year will suffer through the divorce of their parents before they turn 18.
“Fireproof”, the 2008 inspirational movie featuring Kirk Cameron who is a successful firefighter struggling to keep his marriage intact, made a lasting impact and showed us all that marriage takes work…hard work. Christ’s Church of the Valley will be kicking off a new 4-week series titled “Fireproof” starting the weekend of April 25-26. The Fireproof series will cover topics like the basic differences between men and women, unconditional love, resisting temptation, and the covenant of marriage.
Ignite your marriage. Join us for one of our four identical services provided every weekend in the Worship Center. Check us out on Saturdays at 4:30 or 6:30 pm or on Sunday mornings at 9:30 or 11:15 am. After service, be sure to stop by CCV’s food and beverage court or their onsite Starbucks coffee shop to keep you energized for the weekend. CCV is located at 7007 W Happy Valley Rd in Peoria, AZ. Contact us if you have any questions at 623.376.2444 or www.ccvonline.com
FIREPROOF SERIES
There no longer seems to be much of a stigma attached to divorce; it is now seen as an unavoidable rite of passage. In fact, 2008 statistics claim roughly 60% of marriages end in divorce. Second or third marriages have only about 20% of couples remaining happily married. A full eighty percent of repeat marriages end in divorce. Over one million children watch their parents divorce each year, and half of the babies born this year will suffer through the divorce of their parents before they turn 18.
“Fireproof”, the 2008 inspirational movie featuring Kirk Cameron who is a successful firefighter struggling to keep his marriage intact, made a lasting impact and showed us all that marriage takes work…hard work. Christ’s Church of the Valley will be kicking off a new 4-week series titled “Fireproof” starting the weekend of April 25-26. The Fireproof series will cover topics like the basic differences between men and women, unconditional love, resisting temptation, and the covenant of marriage.
Ignite your marriage. Join us for one of our four identical services provided every weekend in the Worship Center. Check us out on Saturdays at 4:30 or 6:30 pm or on Sunday mornings at 9:30 or 11:15 am. After service, be sure to stop by CCV’s food and beverage court or their onsite Starbucks coffee shop to keep you energized for the weekend. CCV is located at 7007 W Happy Valley Rd in Peoria, AZ. Contact us if you have any questions at 623.376.2444 or www.ccvonline.com
Short Story: Through the Years
Christ's Church of the Valley (CCV) likes to run short, 250-word stories in each weekend's bulletin to tie in with the sermon or events happening within the church. The approximate bulletin count is 9,500 every weekend.
Through the Years
When divorce is rampant and hanging through the hard times isn’t appealing, how do couples survive? And not just survive, but how do they thrive? CCV Members David and Lori Andresen can affirm that loving Christ first and foremost and then loving each other has helped keep their marriage intact through the years.
“We met and dated our senior year in high school. We committed our relationship to God immediately. It was very important to both of us to remain pure until our wedding night. And we believe God has honored that commitment time and time again,” Lori explains. “Through the trials over the years, raising three children, and welcoming two sons-in-law, my love and respect for David is as fresh as it was the day we fell in love, only because God is the center of our life.”
Getting married at a young age, when they were only 18 and 19 years old, created many extra struggles in itself. “But through the good and the bad, we wanted to grow up together and it worked. We believe God honors and blesses our marriage and family if we keep Him first.”
David testifies, “When I got married, my prayer was to be the man of God and best husband that I could be. I have failed many times, but I will never stop ceasing and praying to be that Godly spiritual leader and husband that Christ requires me to be!”
On May 12, David and Lori will be celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary in Italy. They believe this accomplishment is only possible by the grace of God and their unconditional love and complete commitment to each other.
Through the Years
When divorce is rampant and hanging through the hard times isn’t appealing, how do couples survive? And not just survive, but how do they thrive? CCV Members David and Lori Andresen can affirm that loving Christ first and foremost and then loving each other has helped keep their marriage intact through the years.
“We met and dated our senior year in high school. We committed our relationship to God immediately. It was very important to both of us to remain pure until our wedding night. And we believe God has honored that commitment time and time again,” Lori explains. “Through the trials over the years, raising three children, and welcoming two sons-in-law, my love and respect for David is as fresh as it was the day we fell in love, only because God is the center of our life.”
Getting married at a young age, when they were only 18 and 19 years old, created many extra struggles in itself. “But through the good and the bad, we wanted to grow up together and it worked. We believe God honors and blesses our marriage and family if we keep Him first.”
David testifies, “When I got married, my prayer was to be the man of God and best husband that I could be. I have failed many times, but I will never stop ceasing and praying to be that Godly spiritual leader and husband that Christ requires me to be!”
On May 12, David and Lori will be celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary in Italy. They believe this accomplishment is only possible by the grace of God and their unconditional love and complete commitment to each other.
Short Story: For Better or For Worse
Christ's Church of the Valley (CCV) likes to run short, 250-word stories in each weekend's bulletin to tie in with the sermon or events happening within the church. The approximate bulletin count is 9,500 every weekend.
For Better or For Worse
CCV Members Tom and Gayle Beckley were married on April 22, 1972. Since their wedding day, their relationship has experienced several drastic dips and turns. Their marriage story shows how two people can be healed if they just let go and let God lead.
Shortly after their wedding day, Gayle began to notice Tom’s growing addiction to alcohol. It was this very addiction that broke up the family and revealed layers and layers of hurt for both Tom and Gayle.
“I began to pray for God to change Tom so that he would be a good husband. That prayer didn’t work! My prayer changed to asking God to help Tom stop drinking so he could be a good father. That prayer didn’t work either,” explains Gayle. It was at this time while praying for God to heal both Tom and herself that Gayle opted for divorce, something she never wanted and thought she would never consider.
When Gayle asked for the divorce, she caught Tom off guard, and the binge drinking escalated even more. It took intervention from a caring friend to lead Tom to a rehabilitation program where he renewed his relationship with Christ. “I finally got on my hands and knees asking God to take away my burdens. That same day, my desire to drink left completely and has never returned,” Tom shares.
Upon successful completion of the program, Tom recognized his responsibility to his family. Ready to start a new life, Tom asked Gayle to discuss his changed life and, possibly, a reconciliation. She said “no” to remarriage, but allowed him time with the kids. Tom learned that he need not to worry about things he couldn’t control, so he left it in God’s hands and went on with his new life. As Tom visited with the kids, Gayle noticed his sincere change of hearts and habits, as well as her own.
God had performed a miraculous healing in both Tom and Gayle’s heart. On April 22, 1983, they were remarried with their children in attendance. The Beckleys believe that any marriage can be healed if the two parties involved want it. We have to be willing to work on ourselves and just leave the other person to God.
For Better or For Worse
CCV Members Tom and Gayle Beckley were married on April 22, 1972. Since their wedding day, their relationship has experienced several drastic dips and turns. Their marriage story shows how two people can be healed if they just let go and let God lead.
Shortly after their wedding day, Gayle began to notice Tom’s growing addiction to alcohol. It was this very addiction that broke up the family and revealed layers and layers of hurt for both Tom and Gayle.
“I began to pray for God to change Tom so that he would be a good husband. That prayer didn’t work! My prayer changed to asking God to help Tom stop drinking so he could be a good father. That prayer didn’t work either,” explains Gayle. It was at this time while praying for God to heal both Tom and herself that Gayle opted for divorce, something she never wanted and thought she would never consider.
When Gayle asked for the divorce, she caught Tom off guard, and the binge drinking escalated even more. It took intervention from a caring friend to lead Tom to a rehabilitation program where he renewed his relationship with Christ. “I finally got on my hands and knees asking God to take away my burdens. That same day, my desire to drink left completely and has never returned,” Tom shares.
Upon successful completion of the program, Tom recognized his responsibility to his family. Ready to start a new life, Tom asked Gayle to discuss his changed life and, possibly, a reconciliation. She said “no” to remarriage, but allowed him time with the kids. Tom learned that he need not to worry about things he couldn’t control, so he left it in God’s hands and went on with his new life. As Tom visited with the kids, Gayle noticed his sincere change of hearts and habits, as well as her own.
God had performed a miraculous healing in both Tom and Gayle’s heart. On April 22, 1983, they were remarried with their children in attendance. The Beckleys believe that any marriage can be healed if the two parties involved want it. We have to be willing to work on ourselves and just leave the other person to God.
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