Contributor Letter 2022
Author: Pastor Dave Berg
February 04, 2022
Dear Contributor Family,
Our word for 2022 is COURAGE. The word for 2021 was HOPE. We all hoped that 2021 would be a year free of COVID-19, but as we all know that did not happen. In fact, two new strains of COVID-19 developed, Delta and Omicron. Then there continues to be the debate between “to vaccinate or not to vaccinate.” As we head into 2022 we know that we are not free of COVID-19! With all this controversy and illness we could continue to be fearful, down and depressed. However God tells us in Joshua 1:5a and 6a, “I will not forsake you…Be strong and of good courage.” We have all been going through a lot of changes in our lives so we need to be reminded of what the LORD told Joshua: to have courage in the face of difficulty. The word for 2022 is courage which means “strength in the face of pain or grief.” Websters describes courage as “the ability to do something that you know is difficult or dangerous; mental or moral strength to venture, persevere and withstand danger, fear or difficulty.” Courage implies firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty. As Christians, we don’t need to muster up courage as an exercise of the mind. We just need to remember that He will never leave us nor forsake us.
Despite COVID still being present, we were able to have a full calendar of events in 2021. Our Men’s and Women’s ministries were able to meet via Zoom for Bible Studies and Summer Book Club, as well as the prayer meetings via conference call. We were able to enjoy our Easter services and celebrations including the Pancake Breakfast. Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday services were such a blessing and the children enjoyed learning about the Resurrection and hunting for eggs as well. There were special Mother’s Day and Father’s Day services including a video and gifts for the parents. Communion was served during our Memorial Day Service as well. We had our first outdoor BBQ “Spring Into Summer” since COVID. Our Youth summer camps were a blessing, and the kids had a lot of fun rafting on the Kern River. Summer was packed with many special events for the church body. Children’s, Jr. High, and High School ministries had a family BBQ and swim party. The men had a special treat with the “Men of Faith BBQ.” The High School ministry also got a special treat with surf lessons at Doheny Beach. The next BBQ ushered in Fall. Men’s and Women’s Bible Studies resumed via Zoom. The “Trunk ‘n Treat Celebration” was so much fun for the whole family. In November we celebrated 45 Years of ministry as a church. The Christmas services and events were a total blessing, ushered in by the Candlelight Communion Service. We enjoyed delicious food and fellowship at the “All Church Christmas Dinner” catered by Lascari’s. Our Living Nativity was a highlight, as was our Christmas Eve service with the Candlelight Vigil. We closed out the year with our Anointing Celebration.
The verse that I have chosen for this year is Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” With that encouragement we can venture into 2022 with COURAGE.
In addition to verbally expressing our thanks to God, we can demonstrate it by our faithful support of CCTW. Our church and its ministries rely on the generosity of individuals like you. Without your support, serving the Lord in Yorba Linda would not be possible, I personally thank you for doing your part with a whole heart. Yes, there is much to be done ahead, but we can go to meet the task with the Lord as our strength and guide. Let’s trust Him together to make this New Year the best yet!
Looking forward together!
Pastor Dave Berg
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