Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Tent

There are a few spots available to serve at the Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Tent next week with CATB.

Wednesday, December 21st
1:30 arrive for orientation (location near downtown Tampa)
4:00 shift ends

Students age 8 & up can serve alongside their parent.

PLEASE contact me ASAP if you are interested in joining our group and haven't contacted me previously.

You may also refer to blog post "Heart to Serve" on our CATB Ladies' Blog site

Thank you

Christmas Party link is Now Activated

OOPS... sorry for the inconvenience. Our Christmas party RSVP in the previous post was not activated properly.

Please use the new & improved link, click HERE.

If you received an EVITE earlier this week, you may RSVP at that site.

Anyone NOT receiving an EVITE, please contact me (HERE) as I am trying to compile ALL your current email addresses.

This event is NEXT WEEK...Thursday, December 8th @7pm.

All details can be found at our CATB Ladies Blog
"Let's Celebrate the Reason for the Season"

Let's Celebrate the Reason for the Season

"The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you
good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you;
He IS Christ the Lord".
Luke 2:10-11

Ladies, come celebrate the Christmas season with your sister's in Christ.

You are invited to attend:

Thursday, December 8th at 7pm
10306 Green Links Dr (Betsy's home in Westchase)

If you'd like, please bring:
~a sampling of your favorite holiday appetizer or dessert
~a little something ($5-$10) for a fun gift exchange

High School & college aged young ladies are welcome to come.

If you did not previously receive this invitation via an Evite in your email, please respond HERE.

You may also RSVP HERE

Heart to Serve

Hello Church at the Bay ladies,

Have you ever volunteered in the big Metropolitan Ministries holiday tent downtown? My experiences have been amazing times to share love for the people of this community that could really use a "lift". Metropolitan Ministries' faith-based mission is to provide for the poor & homeless in our town.

Would you like to join me on December 21st, 1:30-4pm?
This is a ladies registered event, but kids (8 years & older) and hubbies may come too. I need a head count though. Space may be limited. Please respond here if you are interested or definitely planning on attending.


"If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry, and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness". Isaiah 58:10


Stay tuned for more details regarding a food & toy drive. Wouldn't it be great to fill up a car or two to bring with us?


Blessings to you,
Michele

she did what she could, by April McCullohs

Hal has been teaching a series called Game Plan the past few weeks that takes a look at God's plan for our lives. Unfortunately, some of us won't even take a break from our routines to ask God for direction, or to examine how he's wired us because we've subconsciously disqualified ourselves. 


We disqualify ourselves from exploring God's will for our lives when we compare ourselves to the Super-Christian-Woman we might have in our mind's eye. You know, the woman who seems to embody the Proverbs 31 lady, the one who seems to have it all together, all the time. For me, my Super-Christian-Woman lives in a third world country, among the poorest of the poor, doesn't covet Nine West boots like I do, doesn't sweat the superficial stuff, and doesn't get flustered (every night) when she realizes she has to cook dinner, as if it were some top secret surprise.

Your Super-Christian-Woman could be the mom of five children who manages to make it to church on time, or that friend of yours who works full-time but still finds time to volunteer at a crisis pregnancy center. Your Super-Christian-Woman could even be you--in five years, when you're not as tired, or stressed, when the demands of work let up, or when the kids get to college. It can be easy to imagine God using you in the great, big, Later, when your gifts are better developed, when you've received more healing from God, when there's more of this, when there's less of that, when you're...

different.

But, the truth is that God is a God of the present. He calls himself the "I Am," and is a Master Craftsman at fulfilling his will in the here and now, exactly where life finds you. 

So, if this fits you, stop disqualifying yourself from exploring God's will for your life! Let Him take what you have--it may seem average or even quite messy, but He has filled you with purpose and eagerly awaits your move in exploring it with you.


Only days before Jesus was crucified, he was reclining at dinner with friends. A woman came in the room, broke an expensive jar of perfume and anointed his head and his feet in an act of worship. Many there didn't understand what she was doing and began to rebuke her for "wasting" such an extravagant gift on this gesture. Jesus defended her,

"Leave her alone.  Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing...

She did what she could...


I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her." Mark 14:3-10

No matter where you are in life, or where you've been, God has a unique plan for you that he desires to fulfill. He longs for our participation, though, and that begins with seeking Him. If you've been disqualifying yourself, take some time to identify your excuses and then ask God to help you release them to Him.

After all, God's not calling us to become the Super-Christian-Woman we've got tucked away in our minds. He's simply asking us for relationship with Him, for obedience, and that one day, people might say of us

"She did what she could."

----

Want a practical application step? Email gifts@halmayer.com for a free spiritual gifts test where you can explore God's unique thumbprint on your life. Be sure to come to church this Sunday to hear Hal teach on how to discern God's leading in your life.

Life Ladder, by Michele Laccabue

Last week Church at the Bay started gathering in Growth Groups (formally known as Home Teams) to share how God’s message, spoken by Pastor Hal on Sunday, was impacting personal walks with Christ. We read scripture from Philippians chapter 3 and a challenge became very clear--that believers in Christ need to have a specific FOCUS every day—to intentionally look (heavenward) towards God and purposely tune into HIS plan intended for each of our lives.

Imagine this scenario: It’s imperative that you get up on the roof of your house. First, you position a ladder against the side wall. You grab both sides and place your foot on the first rung. Where are your eyes focused?? Yes, Upward! Tentatively, you continue to take the next steps, eyes not leaving the location of your final destination. Each step gets scarier as you leave “what you know” on the ground and ascend to the next level. At some point, you may consider going back down because of fear (and you may actually take a step or two backwards). It’s about choice. Do you redirect your focus upward and strive for the ultimate goal?

Paul wrote, “Forget what is behind & strain toward what is ahead” and “press on toward the goal to win the prize which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13,14).

~As you keep your eyes focused towards heaven, choose to take next steps with God in your daily life. He promises to reveal His power in YOUR life & to make clear His plans FOR YOU.

Proverbs 21:30, “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord’s.”

What is your personal next step with Christ? A few ideas to consider: attend a Bible teaching church service each week, commit to spending time with God each day in prayer & reading the Bible, join a Growth Group & connect with other Christ followers, invite a friend to church with you…

I hope you choose to climb that “Life Ladder” all the way to the top.

Small Food Party! July 23

Hey Ladies, 

Join us July 23 for a Small Food Party! Call it tapas, appetizers, whatever--bring your favorite bite-sized snacks and enjoy some hang time with your friends from Church at the Bay. 

Where: Jen Allinder's house: 14827 Coral Berry Drive, 33626

When: July 23, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

What to Bring: your favorite appetizer to share, and a friend! 

RSVP to catbladies@churchatthebay.com by July 20. 

See you there!

Summer Ladies' Groups

Hey Ladies!

We've got something new to invite you to-- something we've never done before! We'd love for you to join a Summer Ladies' Group. Here's what a Summer Group is and is not:

It is: 
-a casual gathering of 5-10 women

It's not: 
-a formal class

It is: 
-a time to get to know ladies from church over coffee or casual dinner

It's not: 
-a curriculum or homework driven group

It is:
-every other week

It's not:
-every week

Wanna try it out? 

We have three different groups. Here are the groups and their times and places:

Sandy Mayer's Group:
-Thursday nights, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
-Citrus Park Food Court
-First meeting was June 9; Next meeting is June 23

Rolanda Beacham's Group:
-Wednesday nights, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
-Starbucks on Anderson, near the AMC movie theater
-First meeting will be June 29

April McCullohs' Group:
-Wednesday mornings, 7:00-8:30 a.m.
-Starbucks on Anderson, near the AMC movie theater
-First meeting will be next Wed, June 15

Email catbladies@churchatthebay.com to sign up for a group!

dessert party!

Hey Ladies!

Please join us on Thursday, June 2 for a dessert party at Sandy Mayer's house (12727 Tar Flower Drive, Tampa 33626)! We'll be meeting from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to sample each other's store-bought or home-made treats, to catch up with friends and to meet new ones!

No Bible study, no big agenda, just a fun break for the busy women you are!

Please email catbladies@churchatthebay.com to confirm you--and hopefully, a friend!--are coming.

Can't wait to see you there!

~April McCullohs

God's Plan is Still Good, by Connie Smith

Connie and her husband, Dean, have probably greeted you as you've driven up to park at Church at the Bay. Her passion for the Lord and optimism are contagious.

Not long ago I was talking with God…I do that a lot…I was thinking of how I wanted a break from life. The day to day mundane of getting up to go to work, the long days and the pressure of always having someone at work plan my schedule. The not knowing from week to week if I would be home or traveling.  I just felt tired and wanted a rest. I have always worked.  My first job when I was 14 years old and I have never really had a break.  I have always taken care of myself and have been a large contributor to my family’s income.  I wanted to know what it felt like to have someone else take care of me “for a change”. I was having a “pity party”. While each day I woke I thanked God for all of the blessings He has given me, I was still tired and wanting a rest from life.

It was just a normal day to me, up early and off to work to start on the list of a number of tasks to complete.  I had deadlines coming up on two very large projects and had meetings all day.  I had flights scheduled to leave after church the next Sunday and needed to get a lot accomplished that day. While I was in one of those meetings, the senior manager in our office peeked in and asked to see me.  I thought “can you wait until I’m finished with this meeting first”, but the look on her face told me I needed to go right then.  The next few minutes took me completely by surprised and totally off guard.  The company was in process of reorganizing and I was on the list to be laid off.  At first, I thought what about the projects and all that needed to be finished.  But then…a peace fell over me and it was like the weight of the world was being lifted from my shoulders.  God had heard my prayers, was going to take care of me and give me that rest I felt I so very much needed.

God, being a good and wonderful God, heard my prayers. And what may seem as a “whoops” to many, God saw in His infinite wisdom, that I did need a break. 

Jeremiah 29:11-13; “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

Well, that was almost two months ago.  While I am steadily looking for employment to help meet our financial needs, I am also reconnecting with friends and family that I didn’t have time to do with work and traveling for my job.  Though we had a huge cut in our monthly income, God is providing for our needs.  We have always considered what we have as being “on loan from God,” so we continue to thank him for our many blessings by tithing first and foremost.  God always comes through for us no matter what the world throws our way. All that we have is His.  We are humbled by His continued blessings and we are forever thankful for what He provides.

I know God has a plan for me and He shows me every day that He is with me by the blessings and comfort I get from reading his word.  I have a peace that I know must be from God as I turn over control of my life and future into His hands. 

Philippians 4:6 - 7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

I have had a few job interviews, but no offer has come. I believe that God has a plan for me and I get up each morning asking Him to grant me strength and grace to wait, “be still,” and trust His will for me.  Until that job comes along, I trust God to work His will in my life and I enjoy the opportunity to rest and time to refuel by reading God’s word every day.

As Easter approaches in a few weeks, I pray that each of you will feel God’s presence in your life. Trust Him and know that He loves you enough to send His only son for your salvation. 

Jesus died for our sins so that we could be forgiven, and rose from the dead so that we may have life with God.  I am humbled to know that He cares so much for my salvation and enough for my life that He will provide the plan to help me be a disciple for His works.  I pray that you will let Him provide the plan for your life as well.

There is a Race to Run, by Michele Laccabue

Michele and Amanda on race day!

The month of March has become the time of year that I ramp up my running routine.  It seems like a simple enough way to exercise and, at the same time, enjoy the great outdoors.  Weeks ago, I laced up my shoes and hit the pavement.  As I approached mile one, the fun had gone. My body wanted to turn back and my mind agreed.   Luckily, I had set a goal of running a 5K race with my friend Amanda so I chose to persevere and push through the pain.

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize…” 1 Corinthians 9:24

I like prizes, so I trained harder and planned for race day.  Race day came, and I was ready and excited!  My personal goal was to complete the race with a faster time than I did the previous year.  Preparation and good intention should be enough, right? 

“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus.” Hebrews 12:1-2

Well, my 5K race didn’t end exactly as I had planned.  I did not finish with my best personal time.  I was disappointed that all my hard work had not paid off.  Yet, by a miracle of grace, I still won a prize! Wow, how can that be?    

In the Bible, Paul repeatedly relates our Christian journey to a race. There is a sense of urgency here that requires effort, self-discipline, and purpose in our daily lives.  God desires our goals to line up with His as we allow Him to work through us.  He asks us to depend on Him and trust Him when life’s path and outcomes look different than we planned. Run away from sin.  Run to faithful service. He wants us to run to these things and more.  Yes, this road is narrow and specific, but we are ALL invited to come along.  We can’t do it alone, though.  We need Jesus Christ and the support of our community of believers.   There is a prize waiting for each one of us.  Will you commit to the race?

“…we do it to get a prize (a crown) that will last forever.”  1 Corinthians 9:25

God is good.  He invites, He accepts, He leads, He teaches, He loves, and, thankfully, He forgives.  He rewards with eternal crowns even when we are undeserving and unworthy of such an honor.

Together, for the rest of our days, let’s be determined to continue this race, to persevere when feeling too tired to continue, to have faith in outcomes we don’t understand, to move when He asks, and to boldly encourage others to join in on this journey.

In the end, may we confidently be able to say:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”  2 Timothy 4:7

See you on the road,

Michele Laccabue