Division MIPS, Division Champions, and of course the Off season!

Wow it's amazing to think that we are only a couple weeks removed from the end of another great year of CCU Softball! Now that the majority of us are going back to school, or back to a normal nine to five job what is there to do for another 9 months? For me I'm back in sunny SoCal just working and waiting for the say I come back to NorCal for good. For others they may be back in the mix of reading books, doing homework, studying for exams, and other stressful school related activities. For others its time to become a successful member of society trying to make a living for themselves and possibly a family as well. I encourage everyone this year to remember our theme verse to Live it Loud. Use this chance to go meet others and to witness Christ to them. Just because the season is over doesn't mean the fellowship has to end. Connect with other churches, see if you could setup a friendly game of softball here and there. There shouldn't be any excuses why most of us only see each other a few months out of the year. Be sure to check back here for more personal insight, and updates regarding CCU Softball!

Congratulations to the following Teams for winning their respected Division titles, and to the Most Inspirational Players for each team from each division.

A Division - No Champions
BB Division - Sunset Church
B Division - First Chinese Baptist Church
C Division - 7th Day Adventist

Most Inspirational Players

A Division

First Chinese Southern Baptist Church -

BB Division

Salvation Army SA Seniors - Henry Tam
Chinese Bible Fellowship -
Full Life Ministries -
Cornerstone Trinity Baptist Church -
First Chinese Baptist Church -
Firtch Chinese Southern Baptist Church -
Sunset Church -

B Divison

Salvation Army SA2 - Victor Lim
Cornerstone Evangelical Baptist Church -
Cumberland -
First Chinese Baptist Church -
Sunset Ministry -
Chinese Bible Fellowship -

C Division

New Start Ministries -
7th Day Adventist -
Cumberland -
Chinese United Methodist Church -
San Bruno Chinese Church -

What a way to end the year!

It's amazing to think how fast time passes these days as we have come to a conclusion to the 2008 season in softball. Congratulations are in order for each division champion, and each division Most Inspiration Player. What has begun in the beginning of June closes ironically on the same day that the Olympics closed out in Beijing. It was a tough fought season for every team participating which each team securing at least 1 victory, all in all it was a very successful time of fellowship and people getting to know each other better. I know for myself at the very least, I had tons of fun being able to meet new people from different churches from different divisions and just being able to chat sports with them. Seeing so many people at the year of the end BBQ really brought a smile to my face. Being able the be the Emcee and just seeing the joy of people coming together to share a meal together.

Special props goes out to Danny Yee of Cornerstone Trinity Baptist church for leading prayer, and to our guest speaker Jerry Mann from Sunset Ministries for leading an amazing message. On behalf of the CCU Softball Committee, we thank each and every one of you for making this league so wonderful and successful. It is you that makes this league run smoothly, we're just here for logistical reasons. I hope to see each and every one of you back on the field in 2009! With so many different churchs, so many different individuals, this is the only league I can think of that has such unity. No matter what sport, may it be Softball, Basketball, Volleyball, or Golf, we all come together in one family.

As 2008 rapidly comes to a close, I have a word of encouragement. Remember to Live it Loud where ever you are. For most of us it's time to get back into reality with the bitter truth that there wont be any softball for a year. It's time to get back to our 9-5 jobs trying to make a living. For others, it may be time to go back to school, to gain knowledge in acquiring a good education. So take this chance to go out and make new friends, spread the gospel. wear those amazing CCU shirts and sweaters with pride. Be outgoing and friendly, who knows maybe you'll have the chance to share Christ with someone and making new friends along the way. Until next year, this is your webmaster signing off...

(Check back for monthly updates on CCU Softball and other encouraging notes!)

Fellowship Guide 11

Live It Loud - August 10, 2008

Reaching Out

Ice Breaking:

1. Name & Occupation/Major.

2. Favorite group activity besides softball.

Discussion:

1. In a group setting, do you tend to stay within the center of attention or do you tend to put forth effort to include those who are left out? Briefly describe your personality which motivates you toward your tendencies.

Scripture 1:

Matthew 9:9-13 – The Calling of Matthew

9As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.

10While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples. 11When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"

12On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.'[a] For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Observation & Reflection:

In the days of Jesus, tax collectors were hated by everyone because they were those who represented the government to collect taxes, but they would collect more than what was required of them, and then pocket the difference. Matthew was a tax collector. But Jesus had a meal with him.

Jesus sets many examples for us to Live It Loud by showing others that He plays the role of a doctor to heal the sick. He was a righteous man, and an honorable teacher, yet he chose to sit and socialize with tax collectors and "sinners” because he cared for them. He knew they needed guidance and therefore reached out to them.

Scripture 2:

Matthew 18:12-14 – The Parable of the Lost Sheep

12"What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? 13And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. 14In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.

Conclusion & Reflection:

When you thought about those who might be left out in your social circle, or those who might have wandered off like the single sheep, will you stay behind with the 98 sheep? Or will you Live It Loud by following Jesus' examples to care for them and reach out to them? Let's pray.

Fellowship Guide 10

FELLOWSHIP 10

Jars of Clay

2 Corinthians 4:7-10

“7But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.”

Opening

Break off into groups and have groups share about any major injuries they’ve experienced and the extent of it. Then bring it together by having volunteers share from their groups.

Applying the Word

Share verse 7. Ask why the Bible would compare our bodies to being like jars of clay. (weak, temporary, constantly being molded through life)

Relate physical injuries to things we’ve been through emotionally, spiritually and discuss how often these internal injuries are worse than getting injured physically. Share your own major trial or difficulty you have experienced in life.

Go through the rest of this passage, verses 7-10. Relate the words in passage - hard pressed, perplexed, persecuted to experiences we’ve gone through in describing our feelings during big trials in life. Emphasize contrasting statements in passage (pressed but not crushed, etc.) to relate things we’ve gone through to things we haven’t.

Lead up to the main point in the lesson of why we’re pressed but not crushed - power of God within us.

Briefly remind group of how Jesus came down from Heaven to be a sacrifice on the cross for our sins. He wasn’t guilty of anything but the weight of our sins was put on Him. When he died and was buried, did he stay dead? No! He proved He is God Himself because He rose from the dead! Not a sealed tomb or any soldiers or the power of death could contain His power and might. That same power and might exists in all people who believe in the Lord and have allowed Him to be King of their lives. That same resurrection power that raises the dead to life, that heals all sorts of diseases, that has the ability to forgive sins exists in all believers. Draw upon that power at all times, not just through hard times, and will witness glorious things only God is capable of.

Closing

Close with reminder of the Israelites and the Red Sea. In the Bible, it tells the history of the Israelites and how God delivered them from Egypt. As the Egyptians are chasing the Israelites down, the Israelites come to the Red Sea. On one side are mountains, in front of them is the Red Sea, behind them is the Egyptian army. From the looks of things the Israelites are as good as dead. But with the hand of God on their side, He goes and splits the Red Sea to allow His people to go across and then allows the sea to come down upon the Egyptians. Some of us may be going through things where we feel like we’re as good as dead and we look around to see our enemies coming behind us and we feel trapped. Remember that when God Almighty is on your side, He always will always be there.

Another friendly reminder...

This is another friendly reminder from the webmaster that there will be a leaders meeting for softball next Thursday July 31st, 2008 at Sunset Baptist at 7:30 PM in the evening. Please be sure to inform your rep as we don't want anyone to forget and get fined in the process.

Also, if you have not done so already please send any team pictures to our e-mail at ccu_softball@yahoo.com as soon as possible so we can have the plaques ready at the end of the season BBQ. Thank you for your time and cooperation.

Fellowship Guide 9

Live it Loud: “Lead Me On” – July 27 Devotion

Bible Verses

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. - Hebrews 13:7

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. - 1 Corinthians 11:1

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. - John 13:12-17

Introduction

One of the most important elements of the Christian church is leadership. Would the church have survived the first century without the guidance of the Apostles' Paul and Peter? When we first become Christians how important is it for our spiritual growth to have someone lead us in our faith? What makes a great leader?

Sharing/Discussion Questions

1) When you think of a leader, who is the first person that comes to mind? Why? (It can be a famous person, or someone you know).

2) What do you think are the 2 or 3 most important qualities of a good coach or leader?

3) What qualities does Jesus possess that make him a great leader?

Ask a volunteer to read the Bible verses out loud.

Wrap up

Often times when we think of what makes a good leader, we think of someone who has knowledge and experience and can tell us what to do and how to do it. We might think of someone who is a great planner or administrator and can keep an organization or team running smoothly and efficiently. We might envision a coach barking out plays and correcting mistakes, or a boss asking us to work overtime, or a politician delivering a great speech.

During his time on earth, Jesus certainly displayed many of the qualities we would expect from a leader. However, he took it a big step further when he humbly washed his disciples' feet. Leaders often expect those who are under them to do the “dirty work”. Yet here Jesus demonstrated the “nature of a servant” (Phil. 2:7) and did what many leaders often fail to do: set an example to those following them. In war, a general sends his troops out to battle and possibly to their deaths. To pay the price for mankind's sinfulness, Jesus did not send one of his disciples to the cross. He went there himself.

Fellowship Guide 8

I Can’t Get No Satisfaction

John 4:13-14 Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

Icebreaker – You can choose to play this song if you would like. Or even better just start singing it.

What is something that brings us an enormous amount of satisfaction?

Satisfaction is one of the Rolling Stones most well known and popular song. It is a song with overtones to sex, anti-commercialism, and an overall dissatisfaction with the world around the singer. Mick Jagger yelled that he couldn’t get no satisfaction and in reality he couldn’t. He was fed up with the rock star lifestyle at the time and at the time the status quo. We live in a society where satisfaction is desired quite heavily. Satisfaction through our food, entertainment, work lives, money and fame. Unfortunately, satisfaction usually proves empty and fleeting. Just like Mick Jagger many of us have looked for satisfaction in the wrong places. There is greater satisfaction out there. Something that will quench it and never have to refill again. Where this world only is momentary and satisfaction is fleeting, Jesus provides us with living water to satisfy us. We seek satisfaction from God Himself. He is eternal and the satisfaction that He supplies is also eternal. This is not to say we can’t enjoy ourselves anymore. God created us to have recreation, to enjoy ourselves when we do things. However, our deep satisfaction, our deep meaning and our lives should rely upon God. He is the only one that can truly Get Us Satisfaction. Now if only Mick Jagger would figure that out.

CCU Website Scores and Standings

As you all may know the CCU Main Website Scores and Standings section remains incomplete and only partially updated. I apologize for the delays but at the same time encourage those with the field binders from Westlake, Gellert, and Orange Park to submit the scores from previous weeks so I can get the site updated completely. Thank you for your cooperation.

Fellowship Guide 7

Live It Loud – No Fear

Deut 31:6

Leader: please feel free to add to this devotion. This is a guideline to help you facilitate the team’s devotion time.

You can start off with an ice-breaker or singspiration.

You can ask these questions or break-up into smaller groups.

1) What do you fear?

a. It can be a hard hit softball.

b. Speaking in front of an audience

c. Failure

2) How do you overcome fear?

a. Just bit your lip and move forward

b. Not do the action – avoidance

c. Pray

• Share an experience when you were fearful, and God helped you through it.

• Read Deut. 31:6
• God has promised us here that the Lord our God goes with us and never leaves us.
• Pretty straight forward, right?
• Satan puts this fear in our head so that we feel that God is away, but it is us who leave Jesus. Jesus is always by our side, as His promise to us.
• Don’t dismiss fear though. Of course it is a very common emotion and state. But we can overcome it with the Lord’s help.
• How do we overcome this fear?
• Through prayer
• Through the understanding of His Word (the Bible)
• With the understanding comes faith
• With faith comes trust
• You just need to experience it once to always believe.

Field Reminder!!!

Just a friendly reminder that we will no longer be using Ponderosa field for the rest of this season. We are now moving over to Orange Park. Please sent any inquiries to ccu_softball@yahoo.com or please feel free to leave a comment on the CCU Softball Blogspot.

The directions:

(assuming you're headed from SF south)

1. Take 280 South

2. Exit the Westborough exit and veer to the left and make a left at the light to go down the hill towards El Camino Real

3. Make a right at El Camino Real Blvd.; get into the left lane

4. Make a left at West Orange Avenue

5. A few blocks down the field should be on your left (we are using the all dirt softball field)

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=orange%20park%2C%20south%20san%20francisco%2C%20CA&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl

Mid Way Through!

Wow I can't believe that we've all been playing softball for a little over a month now! As we draw near to the mid season break, let's take this time to remember where we all came from and to give thanks to God for everything He has created on this wonderful Fourth of July. I hope everyone has an amazing Independence Day and of course eat lot's of food and enjoy the weekend! Remember this week is rivalry week, so just as the Giants host the dreaded Dodgers... your church teams will be facing off against each other this week! Come support the friendly games and make a good time of fellowship, I know I will!

Here is this week's fellowship guide.

The Fellowship of the Believers

I. Introduction (2 minutes)

How many of you have heard, seen or even read the book “The Lord of the Rings”? A few years ago, Hollywood adapted the book into movie format…and turned the book into a 3 part trilogy movie series. The first movie is called “The Fellowship of the Ring” and that was the 14^th top grossing movie of all time. The second and third Lord of The Rings movies were also all time top movies as well…with “The Two Towers” (2^nd movie) ranked 7^th all time and “The Return of the King” #2 all time (behind Titanic in case you’re curious). One has to wonder what made “The Lord of the Rings” movies (or LOTR for short) so “compelling” that, worldwide, movie goers have spent nearly $3 billion watching the 3 movies.

II. Opening discussion (5 minutes)

At this point, let’s break up into groups of 5 people. Within the group, briefly share about these questions:

1. First of all, who has watched any of the 3 movies?

2. For those that have watched the trilogy, which of the three movies did you like the best?

3. What is it about these movies that really “compelled” you to watch the movies? Definition of “compelling”: driven or urged irresistibly to something (so in this instance, what attracted you to go watch this movie).

III. The Word (10 minutes)

Back in the days of Jesus, there was something that also had a magnetic affect on people like the LOTR movies. The story can be found in a certain section of the Bible, in Acts 2: 42-47:

⁴²They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ⁴³Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. ⁴⁴All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. ⁴⁶Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, ⁴⁷praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Let’s take a moment to look at this passage more carefully. They (the first “church” where the believers gathered back then) spent time together DAILY. What did they do every day? They spent time listening to the apostles teach, then they spent time eating (breaking of bread) and spent time praying. As a result of these times spent together, God revealed many wonders and miraculous signs through the apostles…so the time spent together was not boring at all, as everyone was in AWE!!. ALL the believers were TOGETHER…and had everything in COMMON…meaning, they SHARED EVERYTHING. They sold all that they had…and shared with ANYONE (with other believers and possibly even with non-believers?). Every single day, they continue to meet in the temple courts…and they met in each other’s homes to share meals…and they ate with glad/sincere hearts…giving praise/thanks to God…and enjoying favor (to be looked upon in a friendly or positive way) from all the people. Look here for a moment…this one last point I didn’t see until a pastor shared about it recently…the very end of the bible passage…”And the Lord ADDED to their number DAILY those who were being SAVED”. Looking at the passage, the early church was just doing very ordinary things that believers today do…listen to someone teach, spend time eating with each other and praying. The only difference is that the believers of the past did those things EVERY day…and they did everything TOGETHER. Another major difference is that the believers back then shared EVERYTHING with ANYONE that was in need. The passage didn’t say anything about people holding anything back for themselves…rather, they sold everything they had…and with the proceeds from the sales, they shared it with anyone.

(If you’re leading fellowship, this next part is for you…but only if time permits: Share something from your past experiences to the entire group. Think back to a time when you encounter a Christian or a group of believers who lived in such a way that really moved you to find out more about God. Be specific in sharing WHY that person or group COMPELLED you to God.)

IV. Application (5 minutes)

Take a moment now and look at the “groups” you belong to. Some of you go to a small group, or “fellowship”, that meets once a week. Most of you attend church once a week. Each of you right now is part of a team. All the teams in this league are part of the CCU league. Think about the groups that you belong to…your small group/fellowship, your church, your team, the CCU league. Do any of these groups do anything that “compels” or draws non-Christians to the groups? When we think back to the early church in Acts, they really didn’t do anything extraordinary in terms of outreach. Rather, they did ordinary things…but what was extraordinary in the early church is that they spent time daily, did everything together, and shared everything with everyone. People outside the early church noticed the believers “Living it Loud”…and they were “compelled”, or drawn, to the church.

1. How are the groups that you belong to?
2. Are the people in your groups living with each other in such a way that would “compel” other people to want to join so that they can know more about who God is?
3. Are YOU living in a way with other believers so that your group is “attractive” to pre-Christians?

One of the most effective ways to attract people to a group is to show genuine love and care. One of the quickest way to turn people away from a group is when the members in the group are complaining and bickering over things that really don’t matter in the big picture of things.

What are you (and the groups you belong to) doing now to “LIVE IT LOUD”?

If you don’t belong to a Christian group, would you like to join one and find out how awesome it is to be in a community of people that is unlike any other community you can find around you?

Ephesians 4: 1-3

¹As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. ²Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. ³Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Closing prayer:

May God move His people, His church, to live as one giant compelling community. May He speak to each one of us in such a way that we can identify at least one specific thing today where we individually can change so that God’s presence here on earth, His church, can be example of God’s magnificent love. Thank you God for loving each one of us. Amen.

Reminder!

Just a friendly reminder to all team leaders we will be having a meeting at Sunset Church at 7:30 PM in the evening on June 26, 2008. The venue may or may not change so please continue to check back here for any updates!

Also the next two fellowship guides will be as follows:

CCU Softball 2008 Devotions 4 - June 22

Live it Out Loud – To Be BOLD 

Deut 31:6  - Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee

Example - Definition of BOLD – Standing Out

Leaders – Find couple of verses that God tell us to be BOLD – To stand-up for our Christian Beliefs

Here are a couple of topics you can discuss in the fellowship.

1) Spread the word of God

2) Being a humble Christian – having a good attitude

3) Showing others the Christian love

These are examples of how we as Christians can Live it Out Loud.

Group Questions

1. Name, occupation/school, favorite activity other than softball

2. What is your definition of being BOLD?

3. What do you do in your Christian Life to be BOLD

What to get out of this fellowship.

Don't be ashamed to stand out as a Christian!

Action speaks louder than word

Me + God = majority – This is what are pastor tells us all the time

Ultimately, you want people to know that you’re a Christian

CCU Softball 2008 Devotions 5 - June 29

Intro:  Who knows what this year’s theme is? LIVE IT LOUD!

Last week, we talked about “Living it Loud” by being an active witness.  This week we are going to continue down that road by talking about Living Loud by BEING A POSITIVE EXAMPLE.

Break into groups of 3-4.

Groups: (7-8 min.)

-          Introduce yourselves (name, school/job, how many years in CCU)

-          If you had to either wear a cape or a fanny pack for the rest of your life, which would you chose and why?

-          Name a famous leader (i.e. president, teacher, sports hero, etc…).  What characteristics about this person do you admire and why?

-          What makes a person a good leader? 

-          What makes people scared to be leaders?

Come back together.

1 Tim. 4:12 – “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”

Last week, the devotional mentioned what St. Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the gospel always, if necessary use words.” That means it is our example that is important.  Actions always speak louder than words.  Great leaders lead by example. Not only Jesus’ life changed those around him but his actions proved that he was a leader who led by example.

We should desire to live lives that speak volumes into those around us.  Not through our eloquent speech, emails, or devotions, but through our lives.  It is not our words that will attract others to Christ but the lives we live.

It is scary sometimes to think about the fact that others are constantly watching us, waiting for us to screw up (look at how the media usually portrays Christians).

But Deut. 31: 6 (our CCU theme verse) says, “Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated.  Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you.” (The Message).

Do not be afraid to live a godly life, do not be afraid to live it loud. Through your example others will come to know the Lord.

End in prayer.

Scores for Week 3

B Division

FCSBC-B   1 

CTBC 7

CEBC Rescheduled

SA - B

FCBC - B 10

CBF - B   2

BB Division

SA - BB 2

FCBC - BB 12

C Division

FLCC 2

Sunset Church 17

Cumberland - C 28

CUMC  18

New Start 12

7th Day Adventist 14

A-BB Division

FCSBC - A 8

CBF - BB 11

Week 2 Scores

Division BB

FCSBC                    9

Salvation Army        6

 

Division BB

Full Life                    6

Cornerstone Trinity    13

 

Division B

Sunset Ministry        4

Cornerstone Silver    19

 

Division B

Salavation Army        9

CBF                        6

 

Division C

Cumberland                11

New Start Ministries    8

 

Division C

CUMC                        11

SBCC                        5  

Week 1 Scores

B Division

CBF.............6

CEBC..........20

SA.......................25

Sunset Ministry.....6

BB+A Division

FCSBC Agape......19

FCSBC.................8

BB Division

Cornerstone Trinty........10

SA Seniors..............................10

Sunset Church.............6

CBF............................7

C Division

New Start......................10

SBCC............................6

Cumberland....................1

7th Day Adventist............13

Updated Schedule and Fellowship Guide

CCU Softball 2008 Devotions 3 June 15

Live it Loud:  An Active Witness 

1 John 3:18-20

“Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.”

Ice-Breaker – A Single Action Can Change the World

Break into groups of 3 or 4.  Ask each person to share what single action or event he or she thinks has made a significant impression on the world and why (i.e., Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat on the bus, the “tank-man” at Tiananmen Square, Warren Buffet’s $30.7 billion donation to charity, etc.)

Discovering and Applying the Word (Read the Bible passage above)

1.   Read 1 John 3:18-20.  What does this passage mean to you?

St. Francis of Assisi is often quoted, "Preach the gospel always, if necessary use words."  Similarly, the verses above, including the phrase “not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth”, challenges us to demonstrate God’s love rather than just give it lip service. 

2.   How well are we living out St. Francis’ statement and 1 John 3:18-20?

3.   Think of what will be happening in your life in the next few days, weeks, or months.  In practical terms, how can you “Live it Loud” in terms of making a difference for God and others trough His love?   

Prayer

Pray for boldness and courage to “Live it Loud.”  With your Godly witness, you might be the one who makes the difference for that one person, a group of friends or co-workers, your neighborhood, or an entire community.

Fellowship Guidelines

Fellowship Guide for CCU Softball Week #1 June 1, 2008

What do we have to share?

Share within small groups (3-5):

· Name, occupation/school, favorite activity other than softball.

· What (skills, experiences, knowledge, wisdom, tips) do you have to share with others?

· Are you a talkative person, quiet person, somewhere in between? Explain.

· What does it mean to you to “Live it Loud”?

Devotional: The CCU Sports theme for 2008 is to “Live It Loud” What do we have to say? What is our message? Will people listen?

God commands us to share Jesus with those around us. God gives us the resources and we are filled with the Holy Spirit to give us the desire to share the good news. But these desires are sometimes overcome by our fears.

Even Jesus’ apostle, Peter denied Jesus 3 times as Jesus had told him earlier. We can deny Jesus when we are afraid to speak out, to share our testimony with others, to proclaim Jesus as Lord. People are watching us even when we are not aware of it. Our actions or inactions speak louder than words.

So we are encouraged this year to “Live it Loud”

Our Theme verse is Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Here, Moses was 120 years old, and addressing the nation of Israel, he informed them that He would no longer be their leader to bring them into the promised land, but God would cross over ahead of them, and prepare the way for them through their new leader, Joshua.

As a leader, we should be an example to others, and live a life that reflects our beliefs. We need to listen to what we say, the words we use, the way we live. “Live it Loud” if Jesus is truly important to you, He should be the center of our thoughts, our conversations, and our daily living.

So what do we have to share? What is our message? “I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power for the salvation of everyone who believes: first the Jew, then for the Gentile.” Romans 1:16

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

God loves us and forgives us for our failures, our sins, our fears.

Application: Who is listening? It is our hope during this CCU Softball season, that every individual here can make a decision to accept the free gift that God has offered to everyone, and for those of us who have already believed, to be a better vessel for His work. We can make an impact on our communities, to our friends and family, to our co-workers, and fellow students, to someone walking down the street.

If you are interested in accepting Jesus as your personal savior, pray and ask God to forgive you for your sins, to believe that Jesus is the Son of God, who shed His blood for us all on the cross, and is victorious over death and living in Heaven. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to be able to “Live it Loud”, to be forgiven, to experience the power of salvation, and to not be ashamed to proclaim it.

Fellowship Guide for CCU Softball Week #2 June 8, 2008

Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed (2 Timothy 2:15)

^{2 Tim 2:15}Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

^{Romans 1:16}I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes

^{Philippians 1:20} I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

^{Luke 12:4-9} "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. ⁵But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. ⁶Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. ⁷Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. ⁸"I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God. ⁹But he who disowns me before men will be disowned before the angels of God.

^{Luke 12:11-12} "When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, ¹²for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say."

a. What is shame and what causes someone to feel shameful?

b. Share an experience where you spoke up or took action for the truth. In what ways was it difficult for you?

c. How can you encourage someone to stand up for the truth?

Also a friendly reminder that the season is set to begin next Sunday afternoon with the kickoff fellowship being next Saturday! Hope to see you all then!

T-Shirt and Sweatshirt Designs are here!!!

As we anticipate our upcoming season set to begin a little more than a month away, I am pleased to show everyone this year's T-Shirt and Sweatshirt designs for the 2008 season! Let us know what you think, and to let us know that people are still around reading.

Changes are on the horizon!!!

Umpiring Clinic: Date Changed to Sunday May 18, 2008 at 2:30 p.m.
Location: Westmoor Park
Mandatory participation, 2 representatives per team, but everyone is welcome.

Rule Change: G16. "All bats will be used in a community." was voted to be deleted by the committee on 3/12/08.

New rule: G16a. If there are any questionable bat(s) which may or may not comply with rule G15, and the team with that bat wants to continue to use it, they are permitted to do so, but the head umpire will record the bat make and model and submit it to the CCU committee for review. If the bat is determined by CCU committee members (after the game) to be in non-compliance with rule G15, the offending team will automatically forfeit the game played. If there is any doubt, it is probably better not to use it.

Once again if you have any questions, please forward them to ccu_softball@yahoo.com and direct your query's to Rules and Regulations.

Summer is almost here!

Another friendly update reminding all those interested in playing in this years summer CCU Softball League, applications, rules packet, and information guide are all up and online! Please take some time to download this forms and go over them with each of your respected churches. The early bird deadline is coming in a few weeks. Be sure to postmark mail the packets by March 24. Please do no confuse our deadline date with CCU Basketball as their packets are due later on March 31. Softball's final deadline will be on April 7 and once again I must say not to confuse Basketballs final deadline of April 14, 2 weeks after ours.

Some important dates to remember:

Early Bird Applications Due - March 24, 2008
Final Applications Due - April 7, 2008
Early Bird Shirt Orders - April 20, 2008

If you have any questions please feel free to email us at ccu_softball@yahoo.com and direct your questions to proper channels and we will try to get back to you as soon as possible. Until then, get those cleats outta the closest, dust off the old mitt, grab a couple of friends, bats, and softballs, and start practicing now for a great summer season!

CCU Softball Site Updated!!!

For all you softball players out there, we are proud to announce that the Information Guide, and the League Applications are online! For those who want to download the packets, go to www.ccusports.com and click on the Softball icon. Then scroll down to the bottom, and click on the link provided. I hope that you all sign up early to reserve your spots! 2007 may be long gone, but the 2008 season is approaching fast! Expect many more updates within the months to come so check back often!

A very late Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Wow... I can't believe it's almost been 3 months since I have last updated and I apologize for the delay. Times have been busy lately so I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Chinese New Years! Welcome to the Year of the Rat!