In This Issue

“The Great Unwrapping”

Spirit, Soul, & Body

Pastor’s Corner

Spotlight on “Tiffany Goodrich”

Merry Christmas CWCI

Net Clothing Closet

Christmas Recipes

Closing Prayer

TWEETS Newsletter December 2015

“The Great Unwrapping!”

During this time of the year, millions of people purchase wrapping paper to conceal the contents of their gifts until the appointed time...the "great unwrapping" of Christmas Day. These wrappings are decorative and appealing to the eye

and help to create a feeling of nostalgia. When people see a wrapped gift, they admire the way it looks. Curiosity is peaked and they ponder on possibilities of what's in the package. Some may touch it, smell it, or even shake it in order to discover the contents of the package. They may think they have it figured out but it's not confirmed until the mysterious package is unwrapped and the recipient beholds the gift inside.

In addition to us receiving and celebrating our gift of Jesus, I believe God wants to unwrap us. God knows the contents of our "package" as He is our Creator, Molder, and Shaper. People see our outward appearance and form their perception of who we are. They don't know what's truly on the inside of us. Sometimes God allows them to touch us, smell us, or even shake us to find out what's on the inside of us. This feels like pressure, adversity, and pain to us but God is really trying to show us who we are and purify us. He begins the process of "unwrapping" us in order to reveal what He put on the inside of our "package".

The “great unwrapping” is the gift that we received when accepting our Lord and Savior. This gift, enables us to share the gospel of his great "unconditional love" that he has shown to us by giving His only begotten son.

It's the gift that keeps on giving. As we draw in closer to him, we become more like our "heavenly father." Showing to the world, we are the "light" that out shines darkness in the lives of those we touch through and by the "Holy Spirit" that is within us!

This season, let's embrace the "great unwrapping" that God is doing in our lives so that His glory is revealed to the world around us.

Elder Tiffany Goodrich & Joanne Carr, Contributors

Christian Education Pastor:

The Mission of Christian Education is to equip the body of

Christ in the word of God so they can be effective in reaching the

world with Christ. There is always a purpose.

The Vision is about seeing Christ formed in every life. For each

individual to know their purpose, power, and have dominion to be

so bold and courageous. To see the church of Jesus Christ bold

and strong and that people will see that they need us. We are

sometimes our own worst enemies and “we need to recognize who

we are in the church in order for us to provide outreach to everyone

in bringing them to the kingdom.” If people don’t see God in us and

they just see what they already have, what do they need from us?

We are the most powerful organism on the planet and we let every

little thing knock us off course. God is working through us and we

don’t even recognize it. It is the exceedingly abundant him bringing

it out in us. When we have more of God’s passion, that is what

people will see and then “God” would be more attractive to people.

Because we don’t know who we are we get just enough to get by.

The “Joy” I have is watching people transform and become what

Christ wants them to be. Tearing down these strongholds that we

think God is out to get us the moment we do something wrong he is

going to punish us. No, he is so in “LOVE WITH US.” We need to

stay the course and recognize how boldly we walk in his word.

Sometimes when we need to plan an agenda, call someone, or

stay the course, we don’t. Then we wonder how will we get back

where we need to be. However, God just steps in and says put

your agenda aside, and he just floods the place with his presence,

because it is all about him.

Christmas is about Jesus Christ’s. Everyone says “Jesus is the Reason for the Season,” I say he is the “REASON.” We get the

greatest gift from him always. We think it’s about the gifts and what we may miss out on but, it is totally about him and the GIFTS he has already provided us.

Spirit, Soul, and Body

~Isaiah 43: 4-5 NIV

Because you are precious in “My” sight and

honored, because I love you, I will give men in

return for you and peoples in exchange for

your life. Be not afraid, for I am with you.

Be encouraged children of God! Believe in

yourself and know your value. How do you feel

about yourself? I want to encourage you to take a

minute and do a heart checkup. See if you see

yourself as God sees you and as God’s word tell

you about you. If not, ask God to renew your mind

about yourself. God said we are precious in His

sight and we have been since we were created in

our mother’s womb. God makes no mistakes and

therefore you are not an accident since you are

created for God’s glory, in the likeness and image

of Him.

Be assured that God loves you unconditionally

and His love is unfailing. He wants you even

when you think no one else does. You are valua-

ble, you have worth, you are gifted, you are tal-

ented, and you have a purpose on the earth.

Know that God has an awesome future for you

and He is waiting on you to spend some extra

time sitting with Him to hear the thoughts and

plans that He has for you, the promises of yes

and Amen.

Note: Inspired by “The Confident Women Devotional” by Joyce Meyer

Tansy Perkins, Contributor

Spotlight on CWC Women’s Ministry Core Team Member

Tiffany Goodrich, Elder Vice President, Women’s Core Team Ministry: Elders Board, Women’s Ministry Core Team, Young Adult Ministry.

Elder Tiffany is a native of Hampton, VA. She is an Environmental Health Specialist with the Department of Health and an Adjunct Professor of Health at Thomas Nelson Community Health College. She became a member of CWC 7 years ago and an Elder in 2010. As an Elder, she impacts the Women’s Ministry by bringing clarity and insight according to the Word of God. God has given her the wisdom and access that has allowed her to be able to help bridge the gap between younger and older women. The Holy Spirit has empowered her to minister to women spiritually while being able to give them practical guidance. She is passionate about helping people to walk freely in their purpose, utilizing their gifts that they have been given by God. She is also passionate about health, science, and the Word of God.

She believes that she adds vitality, creativity, and flavor to an already fantastic team of women. Her hope for the Women’s Ministry is to help create an environment in which women feel free to be who God created them to be. She would like to see a culture of sisterhood that results in growth in Christ. She is honored to serve in such an awesome ministry.

When asked what Christmas means to her? She replied “It is a time of celebration of what God did for us when he sent his Son to earth. During this season, I reflect on redemption, hope for the world, peace, and new life that is afforded to us through Christ. The most im-portant aspect is family, friends, and even strangers coming together in one spirit remembering what Christ did for us.”

Favorite books: “Bible” and “Battlefield of the Mind” by Joyce Meyer ,

Favorite song: “Anthem of Praise” by Richard Smallwood

Favorite movies: “Imitation of Life” and “Legally Blonde”

Hobbies: Dancing, reading, research, shopping, going out to eat, and traveling.

Favorite Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:14

Christmas Tweeting

This Christmas Have Yourself a Merry

Little Christmas

It Came Upon a

Midnight Clear

Oh Holy

Night

Silent Night

L et the word

of Christ

dwell in you

richly in all wisdom,

teaching and

admonishing one

another in psalms

and hymns and

spiritual songs.,

singing with grace

in your hearts to

the Lord.

~Colossians 3:16

Tweeting Happy December Birthdays to the

Women of CWC!

Tweetie Laughs!!

“A Morning Prayer”

So far today God, I have done all right. I haven’t

gossiped. I haven’t lost my temper, and haven’t

been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or

over-indulgent. And I haven’t told anyone to mind

his own business and stay out of mine. I’m really

glad about that.

But in a few minutes, God, I’m going to get out of

bed; and from then on I’m probably going to need

a lot of help.

The Net Clothing Closet

Team: Elder Green, Natalie Young, Lilah Burton,

Barbara Mooring

The Mission – To meet the needs of the

Community & church members as they arise.

Open 2nd Tuesday and 3rd Saturday and

emergency situations.

All sizes of clothing and clothing for all seasons are available. Clothes are donated for more of the need during winter and back to school.

Incarcerated individuals also need clothing. Shoes and coats are collected. There is a shoe drive called “Sole for Sole,” which meets the

outreach goals of sending shoes to those in need overseas.

Elder Green, Contributor

Christmas Recipes

Holiday Hash Recipe

Serves 4

Ingredients

1/2 lb bulk pork or turkey sausage 1 large sweet potato, peeled

and diced into 1/2" pieces 1 apple, cored, peeled and diced 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced 1 tbs pure maple syrup Handful of organic dried cranberries Holiday Hash Seasoning Mix (see below) Coconut oil as needed

Holiday Hash Seasoning Mix

1 tsp fennel seeds 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp ground pepper 1/2 tsp sage 1/2 tsp onion powder 1/2 tsp allspice 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp garlic powder 1/4 tsp cayenne

Instructions 1. Combine all dry seasonings in a small bowl – divide in half 2. In a large bowl, add the uncooked sausage, 1 tbs of maple syrup an done-half of the dry seasoning mixture – combine with hands. 3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add a little coconut oil and brown the sausage mixture. Remove from skillet and set aside 4. Dice sweet potato, apple and onion 5. Return skillet to medium heat, add some coconut oil, and sauté onions for 2-3 minutes. 6. Next add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet and cook 5-7 minutes until potatoes start to soften – add more coconut oil if needed. 7. Next add the apples and remaining half of the dry seasoning mix to the skillet and cook for another 5-8 minutes until sweet potatoes and apples are tender 8. Return the browned sausage you set aside to the skillet, mix well, and finally toss in a handful of dried cranberries

Serve hot and enjoy!

Southern Style Crock Pot Greens

Serves 3-4

1 bunch fresh collard greens

1 bunch fresh turnip greens

1 smoked turkey wings

1 onion, sliced

3 -4 garlic cloves, sliced

2 tablespoons vinegar

1 teaspoon brown Sugar Twin 1 ⁄2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

salt

pepper 1 ⁄4 cup water

DIRECTIONS

1. Wash greens and cut out thick stems.

2. Stack greens in a pile, then roll up like a cigar, and then slice.

3. Place sliced greens into crockpot with remaining ingredients.

4. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours or until greens are tender.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Ingredients 1 box Betty Crocker Super Moist Devil’s Food cake mix ½ cup butter or marga-rine, softened 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (6 oz), melted, cooled slightly 1/2 cup sour cream 3/4 cup sugar 1 tablespoon red food color 3 eggs 2 cups frozen (thawed) whipped topping

Directions

1. Heat oven to 300°F. Wrap outside bottom and side of

10-inch spring form pan with heavy-duty foil. Spray inside

of pan with baking spray with flour. Reserve 1/4 cup of the

cake mix for filling; set aside. In large bowl, beat remain-

ing cake mix and butter with electric mixer on low speed.

Press in bottom and 1 1/2 inches up side of pan.

2. In large bowl, beat reserved 1/4 cup cake mix, the

cream cheese, chocolate, sour cream, sugar and food

color with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.

Beat in eggs, one at a time, just until blended. Pour over

crust.

3. Bake 1 hour 5 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes or until

edge of cheesecake is set at least 2 inches from edge of

pan but center of cheesecake still jiggles slightly when

moved. Turn off oven; open oven door 4 inches. Leave

cheesecake in oven 30 minutes. Remove from oven and

cool in pan on cooling rack 30 minutes. Refrigerate 6

hours or overnight. Run small metal spatula around edge

of pan; remove side of pan. Pipe whipped topping around

outer edge of cheesecake. Store covered in refrigerator.

Cranberry Pumpkin Muffins

Serves 24

Ingredients

Directions

2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

2 cups sugar

1 cup canned pumpkin

1/2 cup canola oil

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped

1. In a bowl, combine the first four ingredients. In a bowl,

beat eggs and sugar; add the pumpkin and oil and

mix well. Stir into the dry ingredients just until

moistened. Fold in the cranberries.

2. Fill foil-or paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full.

Bake at 400° for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick

comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before

removing from pans to wire racks. Yield: 2 dozen.

CWC Core Team Communicator

3rd Edition

Christine McLean

To Pass on information please email

me at CStonemedia@gmail.com

Create in me a clean heart and

Renew a right spirit within me

~Psalm 51:10

Closing Prayer

Father God, as we celebrate this season of celebrating

and giving gifts, remind us of the One whose birth

we are celebrating and who should receive the gifts.

During this time of celebrating, help us to meet Him

as our Savior; to trust in Him as the divine Son of God,

to avail ourselves of the fact that He is a Wonderful

Counselor.

There is POWER in the name of JESUS for every

situation in our life, and this is the best time of the

year to reflect on every facet of who He is: God

himself, born into this world as a tiny baby, perfectly

fulfilling through His life every attribute of perfect

God and perfect man.

What a joy to experience the name of Jesus this

holiday season! How comforting it is to know that

no “Grinch” can steal His names and what they mean

to us—names powerful enough to save all who

believe.

Amen! Amen! Amen!

Pastor Barbara Anderson, Contributor