Celebrate Recovery Weekly Encouragement 7-26-23

Strength and Grace in Community

This past week myself, and seven other men and women had the opportunity to spend three days at the Celebrate Recovery Summit in Lake Forest CA. Their were 3000 to 4000 people there, that were in some part of Recovering from there own hurts, habits and hang ups. Everyday our group sat down and talked about how God showed up in their lives that day. Each day it seemed like there was always a common theme within our group. Community was one theme that we all shared during the week.

Life is not meant to be a journey we walk alone. Community, relationships, and being part of the body of Christ are an important part of our lives. In 1 Corinthians 12, it says that we are all different parts of one body. The beauty of community and friendship comes from the way our different jobs and skills work together to bring glory to God and do His work on Earth.

“The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭12‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Getting involved in Celebrate Recovery, small groups and Sunday morning services helps keep us from being alone and isolated. It even helps with accountability as well. Hebrews 10:24-25 shows how important it is for us to get together to grow in love, serve others and encourage each other.

“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭25‬-‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

The book of Acts shows us a strong, loving group of Christians who helped each other without expecting anything in return. They got together often, shared what they had, and enjoyed their faith as a group. This model gives a great picture of the benefits that can come from community that’s willing to grow together.

“And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.”
‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭2‬:‭44‬-‭47‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬

As we try to make and strengthen connections in our community, let's keep in mind that we are all different parts of Christ's body, each with our own skills. Let's encourage each other to love and serve others, and let's grow our faith together. Every time we talk, get together, or eat together, we have a chance to show God’s love, grace, and mercy.

Brian Willems CADC1
Ministry Leader
Celebrate Recovery
New Life Community Dinuba

This week Cassandra will be sharing her experience, strength and hope with us!
Looking forward to seeing you all Thursday night! 

Opioid deaths are at an all time high here in the Central Valley, as well as all across our country.
Naloxone (Narcan) is a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. It is an opioid antagonist. This means that it attaches to opioid receptors and reverses and blocks the effects of other opioids. Naloxone can quickly restore normal breathing to a person if their breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose. But, naloxone has no effect on someone who does not have opioids in their system, and it is not a treatment for opioid use disorder. Examples of opioids include heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), codeine, and morphine.
After the training BCJC will be on hand to distribute Narcan to everyone that attends.
Register by scanning the QR code below.