Category Archives: General

Surprised by the Power of the Spirit – A Conversation with Jack Deere

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We invite you to join us on August 3rd at 12:00PM CST as we have a conversation with a special guest: Jack Deere, author of the bestseller Surprised by the Power of the Spirit. Jack recently released a new revision of his powerful book and has graciously agreed to speak with our community. Come learn about the Spirit of God!

“In Why I Am Still Surprised by the Power of the Spirit, now updated and revised, Deere explains why God is still giving all the gifts of the Spirit, tells documented stories of contemporary miracles, and reveals how people discover and use their spiritual gifts.”

We encourage you to take a look at this book, which you can find on Amazon, via the publisher Zondervan, or at a bookstore near you. You are welcome to attend this discussion regardless of whether or not you have read the book.

Register Now

When: Tuesday August 3rd, 2021 from 12:00PM to 1:00PM CST

Where: Zoom (connection information can be found in the meeting invite after registering above)

Helping Hands: Here For Support

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To Our Family,

Just when I thought the year of unprecedented events was over, our city (and state) freezes, leaving many without power and heat (myself included). While sitting five inches from my fireplace, with three sweatshirts on, and two blankets, I asked myself how much more could possibly be added to the weight already being carried out of last year? When will it start getting better?

I do not have any great answers, but we want CCEM to be a community that supports each other through times like this. God tells us to lay our burdens on Him (Ps 55:22, 1 Pet 5:7) and while this is an important call to reflect on, what does that mean in midst of a (literal) storm? Casting our burdens on God can come in many forms (i.e. prayer, worship, etc.), but we as Jesus’s body play an important role in helping others through hard times. We as a body can help bear each other’s burdens (Gal 6:2). 

I know you have all been carrying a lot of weight on your shoulders. Things at work and in life have been very difficult the last year or so (maybe longer). Know that you are never alone, and that you are loved. If there is anything CCEM can do to help bear your burden, even if you just need someone to talk or vent to, please do not hesitate to reach out to us here.

We love you CCEM, stay safe, and warm.

Love,

The CCEM Team.

Submit a Prayer Request Here

See Additional Well-Being Resources Here

Welcome 2021!

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Brothers and Sisters,

We made it! One of the craziest years in a generation has finally ended and a new year has begun. On one hand, just seeing “2021” on a calendar gives a sense of newness and hope. On the other hand, the challenges of 2020 have not ended simply because of a date change. There is still a heaviness weighing on people, a heaviness that threatens our unity, love, and joy. 

Even within our own company, the impacts of 2020 will continue to be felt in 2021. A lot is changing; many familiar faces that we know and love are no longer going to be seen on campus. There also is a palpable tension for those of us who remain to help the company improve, to turn things around. I feel it, and if I am honest, I worry about how that pressure (and general exhaustion) may impact myself and my co-workers. 

All of that to say, I really believe that our community has a vital role to play in 2021. We need to show Love to everyone at work and in our communities. We need to practice Grace in our interactions, especially during times of pressure and anxiety. Finally, we need to encourage others with Truth. The truth that everyone is valued and priceless. If we do this we will be a light, reflecting the character of Jesus. I strongly believe that through us, the light of Jesus has the power to transform hearts. We can have a positive impact for our company and our community.

Relieving the pressures of 2020 will take all of us. Change starts within each of us through the power of the Holy Spirit, and it starts with re-connecting with God through prayer, time in His Word, and community. That last part, community, has been particularly on the hearts of the CCEM Team. We are getting busier, and taking time for community is getting harder. But the need to connect with Brothers and Sisters is important for each of us; it provides us a source of wisdom during challenges, and encourages our walk, and our light. If you are not currently connected with a Christian community at work, I encourage you to check out one of the various Bible Studies/Prayer groups that meet on campus or virtually. 

Finally, for those of you who will be leaving the company in the coming days, we all want to say thank you! Thank you for your service to ExxonMobil, and thank you for your leadership and modeling of how to live faith in the workplace. We will miss you, but we know that you will continue to have an impact for Jesus with those you interact with in the future. If you would like to stay connected to CCEM, please feel encouraged to sign up for the CCEM mailing list with your personal email address and we will keep you in the loop of what’s going on campus. 

We love you CCEM. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out for prayer or with any general thoughts/needs. We look forward to connecting with you, and working together to be a bright light for Jesus in our community.

Love,

The CCEM Team.

1Q2021 CCEM Prayer Focus

Please join the CCEM community in the 1st Quarter of 2021 as we pray for the health and safety, and well-being of our community and country.

  • For the health and safety of our friends and family through the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.
  • For those in our community who have been impacted by the recent company reductions.
  • That our community would be intentional with our connections and interactions in 2021. That love, grace, and truth would transform our hearts, and impact our actions; and that those actions would have a positive impact on our company and our communities.
  • To lift up our nation’s leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-3), we pray for the President, Vice President, Congress and Supreme Court, that they may love the law of the Lord (Psalm 1:1-2) and that God provides them wisdom (Ephesians 3:10).

A Conversation with Tom Gilson, author of “Too Good to be False”

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A few weeks ago we hosted a virtual conversation with Author Tom Gilson about his new book Too Good To Be False, which seeks to look at Jesus from a different perspective than majority of Christian books today. Tom’s book highlights the greatness of Jesus from a different angle, encouraging deeper growth in knowledge and intimacy with Jesus. To Good To Be False has received numerous endorsements from influential writers and ministry partners.

If you missed the event (or would like a recap) fear not – we have recorded the session! We hope that you enjoy.

The video may be viewed here.

Well-being Resources

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All of us can use some help through tough times. We are made for community and it is important to know that you are never alone, regardless of your circumstances. We want to provide you with some resources to help during these tough times:

  1. Prayer – CCEM wants to be a community of prayer. You can submit your prayer request here and know that we will be praying for you. Also, if you would like for someone to contact you and pray with you directly, please let us know that in the prayer request section of the form.
  2. Join a Bible Study or Prayer Group through CCEM and engage in community with other Christians
  3. The Interactive Wellness Guide (goto/wellnessguide)-> US employees 1 stop shop to employee benefits
  4. Join a Rally Community -> Connect with other Rally members in a positive, friendly environment on Rally.  Ex: Live mindfully, stress and anxiety to mention a few
  5. Wellbeing Minutes provide short topics for discussion around personal well-being.
    • Page 138 (shown below) -> Talks about maintaining a positive attitude in difficult times and within it talks about praying, gratitude, optimism and reframing

As always, if there is anything CCEM can do for you. Or if you just need someone to talk to, please do not hesitate to contact us. We love you Church!

Too Good to be False

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REGISTER NOW: https://eventx.exxonmobil.com/events/4879b30c-76d9-4c63-82d7-a0d6e2c02b82

Join us for a one-on-one conversation with Author Tom Gilson about his new book Too Good To Be False. Too Good To Be False seeks to look at Jesus from a different perspective than majority of Christian books today. Tom’s book highlights the greatness of Jesus from a different angle, encouraging deeper growth in knowledge and intimacy with Jesus. To Good To Be False has received numerous endorsements from influential writers and ministry partners.

CCEM is excited to have Tom meeting with our community exclusively to discuss his book, and answer some questions about his research about Jesus. We hope you will join us on October 6th at Noon on Zoom!

To register, go to EventX: https://eventx.exxonmobil.com/events/4879b30c-76d9-4c63-82d7-a0d6e2c02b82

To learn more about Too Good To Be False visit https://www.thinkingchristian.net or https://christiandefenders.org

Encouraging Others

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There is undoubtabley anxiety, concern, and hardships for many of our brothers and sisters throughout the country. Between COVID-19, Racial and Social Justice issues, and economic hardships, now more than ever it is important for us as a body of believers to be a light and an encouragement for those who may be hurting.

Checkout some of the following resources for tips on how to be an encouragement to others during this strange time.

20 Ideas for Encouraging Others

19 Ways to Encourage Others

12 Practical Ways to Encourage Others

Giving Grace With Your Words – 10 Steps

Build-up Acronym 7 Tips

We Want Your Feedback

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CCEM seeks to serve our community to love and encourage our brothers and sisters at ExxonMobil. This year has introduced many new challenges with how and when we are able to meet together. We have tried to adapt to the current environment and would like to get your feedback on how we’re doing as well as ways we could do better going forward.

Please take a few minutes to provide your thoughts at the survey link below. We appreciate you!

CCEM Effectiveness Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MBB8769

Be the Church: Virtually Meeting Amid COVID-19

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“and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

As we continue to battle COVID-19, we know that now more than ever how important it is to Be The Church to each other. We need to continue to maintain smart social distancing as a way to love our neighbors, family and friends, as well as a way to continue battling this disease. Fortunately, today’s technology allows us to continue meeting together, while not being physically together. 

The CCEM Team wants to provide some virtual resources for you as opportunities to continue meeting together in a safe, socially distant way while at home.

  1. CCEM Bible Studies/Prayer Groups – Many of our Bible Study and Prayer Groups continue to meet virtually through various platforms. If interested, please contact one of our study leads to get the latest virtual meeting information. (Visit Bible Studies/Prayer Groups Page)
    • Alpha has also moved to a weekly prayer call during our time off campus. To get connected with the Alpha prayer call, please contact Garrett Shaw or goto/Alpha.
  1. Local Churches – Many local churches are currently broadcasting their sermons live on Sundays, as well as hosting small groups and ministry events virtually during the week. Check our Churches list for links to various local churches that members of our community are connected with. Visit church websites for opportunities to connect virtually.
  1. Grace Center of Spiritual Development – GCSD is a local organization that offers Bible Studies, Leadership Training, Devotionals, and Podcasts for free. GCSD is promoting a new 2 week live virtual study on Habakkuk starting next Wednesday, April 8th at lunch (information here); as well as a 3 week virtual Biblical Leadership Seminar Series Starting Tuesday March 31, 6:30 – 8:30 pm (information here). View previous GCSD content and more at Grace Center of Spiritual Development Website
  1. Toolbox Lunch – Toolbox Lunches are having a virtual meeting on April 1 with their Executive Director. Learn more about the event here and more about Toolbox Lunches from their website http://www.toolboxlunches.com/
  1. Christians in Commerce – CIC is an organization focused on bringing Christ into the workplace. The have a library of stories of how individuals have reflected Christ at work. Visit their Christ Alive! Testimonies Webpage.
  1. Pope Francis’s Urbi et Orbi: Pope Francis delivers an extraordinary blessing “To the City and to the World” on Friday to pray for an end to the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. In his meditation, the Pope reflects on Jesus’ words to His disciples: “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?” See more here.

Do you have more virtual resources? Visit the CCEM Facebook Page or Yammer Page and share! Stay Safe!

  • The CCEM Team
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