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Christ’s Community Church, Emmitsburg

by Theresa Dardanell

From the outside, Christ’s Community Church doesn’t look like a traditional church. Don’t let that stop you from going inside. The people are friendly and welcoming. The building not only has a sanctuary for worship, but it also has several classrooms for children, a nursery available for babies and toddlers, a kitchen and fellowship dining hall, and a room set up as a coffee house. Many of the rooms have live projection to a TV so that the service can be viewed throughout the building. The best thing about the building, however, is what goes on inside.

The 10:30 a.m. Sunday service begins with prayers, music, and the opportunity to greet everyone. The very energetic praise team leads the congregation in uplifting and inspiring songs. After the scripture reading and announcements, the children move to the classrooms for age-appropriate lessons. Kids Connect Juniors (ages 2 to 5) enjoy a snack, activities, and crafts while learning about the Bible. Children, ages 6 to 12, participate in Kids Connect, where they learn about Bible stories through skits, videos, songs, and more. Communion is offered on the fourth Sunday of the month. After the message given by Pastor John Talcott, followed by a closing song and prayers, members gather in the dining hall for a meal and fellowship. Pastor John’s wife, Dana Talcott, said that sharing a meal every week helps build relationships.

Sunday services are only the beginning; there are activities for all ages during the week, and everything is open to members of the community. Every Wednesday, after a brief worship service at 7:00 p.m., adults meet for women’s Bible study or community Bible study. Kids Connect is available for children ages 2 to 12. The “Equip” class for middle-school students also meets during this time to encourage friendships and faith. The CCC Youth group, ages 12 to 18, headed by Brandon and Megan Fitz, meets on the second and fourth Fridays at 7:00 p.m. Brandon and Megan work together to provide a time for youth to connect with each other and encourage one another during worship, Bible study, and videos, as well as songs, games, snacks, and socialization. The Young Adult group for college students and young adults in their 20s and 30s meets monthly to encourage building relationships and growing together spiritually while having fun.

Along with Bible study, men and women enjoy many opportunities to socialize and encourage one another. Men are invited to participate in discipleship, evangelism, and leadership training, as well as retreats and mission trips; they also enjoy a monthly breakfast meeting. Members of the Women’s Ministry meet for breakfast and social activities. Julia Neel said that they also provide support to people in the community with meals, transportation, and prayers, when they hear of a special need. Once or twice a year, the women have the opportunity to attend a conference or retreat together.

There are lots of opportunities for fun and learning for children.   Members host the children’s area during the annual Emmitsburg Community Heritage Days festival, and provide games for the children during National Night Out, an annual partnership between police and the community. A very special event for children is the yearly Emmitsburg Community Day camp. Last year, the camp for children was held in July and featured crafts, stories, games, science experiments, water slides, a giant bubble machine, snow cones, and a trip to the Emmitsburg Community Pool. This year, the camp will run from Monday, July 13, through Friday, July 17. Children, ages 3 to 12, will enjoy games, crafts, stories, outdoor water play, snow cones, lunch and snacks, and lots more. Camp begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. The cost is only $30.00 for the entire week. Contact the Children’s Ministry for registration and payment information.

Pastor John Talcott said that community and ministry outreach includes support for the Seton Center; Emmitsburg Food Bank; Pennsylvania Delaware District Council of the Assemblies of God; Compassion International; Jason Jablonski Ministries; General Council of the Assemblies of God; Missionaries to Romania, as well as to Argentina; Boys and Girls Missionary Challenge; Convoy of Hope; Light for The Lost; and Speed the Light.

The church also has a special (but unconventional) ministry. It’s not a food bank…it’s called a food pantry because the food is in an actual pantry cabinet like you would see in a kitchen; yet, the cabinet is on the outside of the building. Dana Talcott said that Brittany Fritz of Miss B’s Family Child Care contacted the church with the idea of a pantry that is well-stocked with non-perishable food that is free for anyone to take at any time. Mrs. Talcott said that they are thankful to the community and church members for keeping it filled.

Christ’s Community Church is located at 303 West Lincoln Avenue in Emmitsburg. Check out their very extensive website at www.cccaog.org. Along with calendar and contact information, you will find sermons, articles, videos, and more.

Members of Christ’s Community Church.

Planning Fireworks Show for Next Year’s Heritage Day Event

On the heels of a successful Emmitsburg Heritage Day event by the Emmitsburg Lions Club, and kudos for pulling off a fun and complete event a day later than planned due to heavy rain, planning is actually underway for next year’s event.

In cooperation with the Emmitsburg Lions Club, the Emmitsburg Business and Professional Association (EBPA) raises funds for the annual fireworks show that caps off the Heritage Day event and celebrates our nation’s independence. EBPA is now gathering funds for a down payment on next year’s show. Please consider contributing. Your donation is tax deductible. Send to: EBPA, Fireworks Show, P.O. Box 633, Emmitsburg, MD 21727.

Thurmont Food Bank in Need of Donations

The Thurmont Food Bank is low on food and their funds are dwindling. About 310 households receive food each month, but some families may go hungry unless they get donations to purchase food.

If you are able, please help out by sending checks to The Thurmont Food Bank at P.O. Box 74, Thurmont, MD 21788, or you can place donations in the mail slot in the entry way to the Thurmont Food Bank, which is located at 10 Frederick Road in Thurmont.

Food donations such as garden produce, canned fruit and vegetables, soups, tuna, milk, and eggs are also greatly appreciated. Between the hours of 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday, donations can be dropped off inside the food bank, and non-perishable food can always be placed in the shopping cart in the entryway.

Mackenzie’s Light Meets at Thurmont Regional Library

Mackenzie’s Light, a bereavement and drug awareness support group, meets the last Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Thurmont Regional Library, located on Moser Road in Thurmont. Anyone impacted by family drug abuse or the loss of a loved one is welcome. The next meeting is Monday, August 31, 2015, with the theme “Breaking through the sorrow for a brighter tomorrow.” For more information, call Becky at 301-524-8064 or go to Facebook.

Rocky Ridge Carnival

During the week of Monday, August 10 through Saturday, August 15, you won’t want to miss the Rocky Ridge Carnival, held at Mt. Tabor Park on Motter Station Road in Rocky Ridge. Live entertainment each night, starting at 7:00 p.m.

Guardian Hose Company Thanks Sponsors for Another Successful Event

The Thurmont Guardian Hose Company extends sincere appreciation to all of their sponsors who assist in making their annual carnival a huge success, which allows their department to remain volunteer.

Lewistown Fire Department’s Sportsmans Bingo

Lewistown Volunteer Fire Department’s Sportsman’s Bingo will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2015. Doors will open at 4:00 p.m.; buffet meal will start at 6:00 p.m.; and games will begin at 7:30 p.m. The cost is $40.00 per person (includes dinner, ice tea, and beer). Advanced ticket sales only.

Back to School Party at Christ’s Community Church

Come out for Christ’s Community Church’s Back to School Party on Friday, August 14 at the Emmitsburg Community Park, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. There will be free school supplies for kids, plus food, games, and a moon bounce.

Local Business Owners to Support Thurmont/Emmitsburg Area Students in Need of Book Bags

Local business owners would like to support Thurmont/Emmitsburg Area students in need of book bags and school supplies. Please nominate a family/student by August 8, 2015 (need children’s grades). The book bags will be distributed mid-August.

Please do not be shy to ask; they really want to help the students to start the school year off right and reduce stress for parents!

They will do their best to support all of the nominations with a minimum of twenty students. Gospel & Blue Grass Music Festival

On Saturday, September 26, 2015, a Gospel & Blue Grass Music Festival will be held at Mt. Tabor Park in Rocky Ridge, from 1:00-6:00 p.m. Admission is free, but they welcome donations. The festival features local talents and blue grass music by the Carroll County Ramblers and Hanover Express.

Mt. Tabor Park’s Annual Big Picnic

Don’t miss the annual Big Picnic at Mt. Tabor Park, located at 13544 Motters Station Road in Rocky Ridge on Saturday, August 8, 2015, from 11:00 a.m.-9 p.m. Event features a car show, a baby show, live music, great food, hayrides, and more!

The Ott House Pub Entertainment Events

The Ott House Pub in Emmitsburg will feature the following entertainment in August: J-Jam on August 1; Karma Sharkz on August 7 and 8; TBA on August 14, 15 and 21; Drone Pilots on August 22; and Redline on August 28 and 29.

Blue Ridge Sportsmen’s Events

The Blue Ridge Sportsmen’s Association in Fairfield is hosting many upcoming events, including a Cash Bingo on August 2, with doors opening at 11:30 a.m. and bingo beginning at 1:00 p.m.; a Horseshoe Tournament on August 8 at 11:30 a.m.; a Mid Atlantic Qualifier Shoot; and a Wagner Shoot on September 11; and much more. Hall, barn, and pavilion rentals available.