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.
As I am sure is the case with many of you, I listened to the recent announcements about changes to our workforce with angst and concern. Many questions are still unanswered, and the uncertainty about the future leaves me feeling uneasy and anxious.
Reflecting on all that is going on, I realize the consistent struggle I have with understanding my value and my identity. Too often I have tied my sense of worth and my value to how our world defines it. How I see myself is tangled in my work, my job title, my income bracket, my performance assessment. As I sit and wait for more details on the changes coming to our organization, I am once again struggling with these same feelings.
I need to remind myself that my true value and my true identity has already been told to me. The God of the Universe saw me as so valuable, that He willingly came to Earth, took on the form of a man, and sacrificed Himself so that I could be in a relationship with Him for all eternity. In Jesus, I have been assessed as priceless. In Jesus, I have been given a title of royalty, and in Jesus, that title has been eternally secured for me. I did not have to earn the position, and there is nothing/no one that can take it away from me. It is a gift through the pure grace and love from the Father.
As we continue to learn more about the changes from the recent announcements, each one of us is likely to know someone who is directly impacted. Many of us may end up learning that we are in fact being personally impacted by the changes. There are no soothing words to say that will make any of this easier. I just pray that we all turn to Jesus for our strength and our identity, recognizing the hope, security, and value we have in Him.
It is critical that we be a family for each other; no one should feel alone at this time. We as a family need to have grace, love, and be there for each other. Let each of us reach out to our brothers and sisters for fellowship and support. Let our community be a bright light through tough trials. Know you are never alone. We are consistently praying for you and are here to help however we can. You can reach out to us at CCEM for prayer at any time. Finally, let us all reflect on what God has said about us: We are loved. We are priceless. We are secure in Him.
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!
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.
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!
“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.
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.
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.
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
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/
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.
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!
An extension of the Biblical Leadership Conference held in February, this 3-part series will help you examine closely the lives and leadership styles of six biblical leaders: Moses, Joseph, Nehemiah, David, Deborah, and Elijah.
Get a modern perspective and application from our speakers who come from a variety of leadership backgrounds including the marketplace, church, and the academe.
ToolboxLunches.com will be live streaming on the Worldwide Web Wednesday, April 1st at 11:30 AM.
We will be interviewing Toolbox’s New Director Tom Douthit live from Grace School of Theology’s Online Classroom.
Tom Douthit is the Executive Director of Toolbox Ministries which is dedicated to helping men move from success to significance and discover how faith in Jesus Christ affects every area of a man’s life.
Prior to his role with Toolbox, Tom served for 31 years as a pastor with BridgePoint Bible Church in Houston (formerly Spring Branch Community Church).
Tom is a longtime Houston resident having graduated from Memorial High School, Texas A&M and Dallas Theological Seminary. Tom has been married to Celia (a Houston native) for 35 years. Celia serves as School Nurse at Bunker Hill Elementary in the Spring Branch School District. Tom and Celia have 4 grown children and 2 grandchildren, all living and working in Houston.
This will be a virtual interview with Tom on the direction and future of the Toolbox Luncheons via BlueJeans Videoconference and FACEBOOK LIVE!
As you might not know we have recently added The Woodlands to the luncheon schedule.
This will make a fourth monthly gathering opportunity in the greater Houston area.
Dear Catholic Faith Study Friends,
Our next topic will be on the subject of suffering (3 classes, maybe 4, not sure how quickly we will get through the material) based on the book written by Peter Kreeft, “Making Sense Out of Suffering.”
In these lessons we will cover the deep and profound questions we have such as the following:
• Why do I have to suffer?
• If God is all-powerful and all-loving then why does he permit evil to exist?
• Does my suffering have meaning?
• Why do bad things happen to me?
• What is the answer to all these questions about suffering?
When: Thursdays: February 20th, 27th and March 5th
I will send the class notes to the meeting group. Hope you can join us in person or on Skype!
People of all faiths are welcome!
Contact Henry Avila (henry.j.avila@exxonmobil.com) to be added to the distribution list.
Come see Pam Tebow speak on her book Ripple Effects at Houston City Place Marriott at Springwoods Village! Wednesday March 18th from 11-1.
For questions please contact Trisha Dillon (please use her personal email address trishajo340@gmail.com since she is currently on maternity leave.)
