Christ Church of Peace

We've Already Enjoyed ...

Christmas Eve Services
Riverside Baptist Church
6:00PM & 11:00 PM

We were especially blessed this year to be invited to worship together with our friends at Riverside Baptist Church on Park & King.  For years, the people of RBC have championed human rights and social justice ... becoming one of the first truly welcoming and inclusive Baptist churches in our area.  THANKS to Rev. David Holladay and the folks at Riverside Baptist Church for joining with us for this special evening of Advent as we welcomed the birth of the Christ child.

"Believe It or Not" ...

There are some that say you can't be LGBT and Christian at the same time. Of course, there were some who said you couldn't be Jewish and believe in Jesus ... that God didn't condone interracial marriage or, for that matter, that women should know their place. This Summer program was designed to create awareness of the life "God" actually calls us to lead and believe, as opposed to what the traditions of man dictate we follow.

Part I:

God, Gays & Grace: What the Bible Really Says (and Doesn't) about Same-Sex Love

Co-Sponsored by OASIS: The GLBT Center of NE Florida

Does homosexuality represent a deviation from Gods divine order? Does God intend all human beings to be heterosexual? Is God so sadistic that many of the people he creates are gay, with no choice in the matter and no hope of changing and then, under the threat of eternal condemnation, denies them the right to express their sexuality in loving relationships? Does God make mistakes?  So many of them?

The teachings and attitudes of many religions that condemn homosexuality can cause more hurt, alienation, and deception than literally any other reasons for rejection faced by sexual minorities in society today, research and personal testimonies show.

There's a lot of misunderstanding about what the Bible really says.

Part II:

What's Morally Wrong With Homosexuality?

Is homosexuality unnatural? Does it threaten society? Are gays and lesbians "born that way" ... and does it matter either way?

In this provocative program, Dr. John Corvino -- aka "The Gay Moralist" -- tackles these questions and others. Combining philosophical rigor with sensitivity and humor, Corvino examines the most common arguments against same-sex relationships ... including those based on nature, harm and religion. In the process, he invites people on all sides of the "issue" to rethink easy assumptions about homosexuality and morality.

Here's a brief recap of what we learned in this program.

We are honored that each of you visited Christ Church of Peace recently ... and hope you were blessed by our time of worship together:

Marvin A., Diane B., Fred B., Kelly B., Maureen B., Stan B., Timothy B., Allen C., Carl C., Charles C., George F., Marcus F., Bill G., LaVaughn G., Marco G., Noel G., Sam G., Alex H., Deb H., Jacqueline H., Michael H., Sadie H., Tramaine H., LaMar J., Michael J., Peggy J., Carlos M., Jeff M., LaTonya M., Missy M., Rian M., Sarah M., Stephen M., Gordon N., Cameron P., Dylan S., Earl S., Helena S., Jim S., Katarina S., Lynn S., Steven S., Travis S., James W.

And Coming Up ...

Sunday, February 5th ...

Special Joint Ecumenical Service

10:30 AM at Christ Church of Peace

Today Christ Church of Peace will host a special joint service with St. Anthony's National Catholic Church, and Rev. Marsha Brandt will provide a homily for both congregations.  Our choir, the CCOP Singers also will perform.
 

Sunday, February 12th ...

You Cannot Afford NOT to Love

10:30 AM at Christ Church of Peace

Unity pastor Rev. Joanne Dator joins us this week for a special Quiet Time meditation and a sermon based in part on John 15:12.   Rev. Dator leads a study group on Thursday nights at Unity Church of Jax on "A Course in Miracles."

Valentine's Dance 

We welcome couples and singles to our Valentine's Day Dance on Saturday, February 18th at 6pm.  Please bring some light appetizer "finger food" to share, and any pictures of deceased loved ones that we will remember in a memorial display.  See Sandy for more details.

Retreat

We are planning a retreat for the first weekend of May.  For more information, watch this space or speak with Dawn our Vice Moderator.


 

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

Aaron               Jan. 10

Spero               Jan. 16

Jaime               Jan. 17

Dawn N.           Jan. 17

Mike F.             Jan. 25

DON'T FORGET ABOUT OUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED SERVICES AND EVENTS ... which are special activities, too!  More information about our weekly and monthly gatherings are found on our Web site's home page.