The Connection Church

Heart of Christmas Offering

admin — Sun, 27 Nov 2016 12:33:26 +0000

The Heart of Christmas Offering starts now and goes through January 31, 2017. Our BIG ONE DAY Offering will happen in all of our Celebration Services on December 18^th. That’s the day we’ll all bring our BEST GIFT to JESUS for Christmas!

Over the last year, we have seen so many exciting ways God has worked through The Connection Church here in the Hill Country of South Central Texas. We are doing everything we can to “see lives changed, one life at a time.” Now, with our Christmas Offering we have the chance to grow our impact in our community, expand our ministries to children and families in our church family, and continue to reach those who need Jesus in our world.

THE GOALS

Here are the ministry initiatives that giving to The Heart of Christmas Offering will fund

Global Impact: This Offering will be used to meet the spiritual and physical needs of our area through our Community Ministry and the continued adoption of the Agua Zarca village in Guatemala. Plus, we will be able to adopt a second Guatemalan village called Plan de Avila! These people are even more remote, with little access to the resources they need to survive and thrive. Download the Agua Zarca profile here.
The 2017 Community Assistance ministry of our church. Other receipts from this year’s offering will be used to help those in our own community closer to home.
Expansion in our Konnection Kidz ministries. We plan on making BIG improvements in one of the most vital ministries we have: raising up future leaders through our ministry with children. We will invest a portion of our offering into resources to further our Konnection Kidz ministries.

Want more info about these initiatives?

Check out these FAQs here.

Through your radical generosity, we will be able to be the hands and feet of Jesus for thousands of people in the coming year! We’re excited that God is using us to make a difference around the world!

THE PLAN

On December 18th, we’re asking everyone to bring their first and best offering to one of our Celebration Services. We will be receiving a special offering in each of our worship celebrations focused on bringing the love and hope of Jesus to those who need it the most.

Pray and ask God what He would have you give “over and above” your regular tithes and offerings. We can’t all give the same amount, but we can all do something.

Bring your “over and above” offerings with you through January 31st as we celebrate His blessings or give online now using the link below:

Will you begin praying now about what God would have you give, over and above your regular giving, to this Christmas Offering? God has given us a great mission, and we’re blessed to be able to join Him in advancing the Gospel around the world! I thank God for using us to save lives through The Connection Church. Let God stretch your faith!

Presence Offering FAQs

admin — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 22:15:37 +0000

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why do we have a Special Christmas Offering?

As part of God’s plan to grow the faith of the people in His church, He calls us to sacrificial giving from time to time. This Christmas Offering is an opportunity for us to grow in our faith and to prepare us for what God wants to do through our church in 2017. This offering is not because we are behind on budget, but rather to position us to make a greater impact in our community, in our church and around the world in 2017.

What’s the Difference Between the Regular Offering and this Christmas Offering?

The regular Connection Church offering is the proportional amount (the full tithe of 10%) that we set apart and bring throughout the year. From time to time there are opportunities to give in a sacrificial way. This Offering is one of those sacrificial occasions that stretch us to grow in our faith. The Christmas Offering should be over and above what you regularly give.

How Much Should I Give?

Please prayerfully consider a sacrificial gift that will stretch your faith. The precise amount you give is between you and God. We like to think of it as bringing our best gift to Jesus for Christmas. You might think of your most expensive gift to another person and match that with this offering. Some may be able to do even more than that. The issue is not equal giving, but equal sacrifice. What amount can you give that will stretch your faith?

When Should I Give?

The best time to give will be the BIG DAY on December 18th. Please pray about making your best gift on that day. However, you can continue to give until January 31, 2017. Please use THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS envelope or include a note designating that your gift is for the Christmas Offering.

Can I Give Online Via Bank Check or Through Auto-Debit?

Yes. When you give at www.VisionaryGiving.com via online giving, simply select The Heart of Christmas Offering under the “Fund” drop-down menu. Or you can use your bank online payment option to send a check directly to the church office. Simply mark in the memo area that your gift is for the THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS Offering.

Can I Give In-Kind Gifts of Stocks or Bonds?

Of course! Since The Connection Church is a 501c3 organization, there can be tremendous tax benefits for you by giving in-kind gifts. For information on this type of giving, simply contact Lauren Simcik at lauren@theconnectionchurch.org or 512.295.1740.

Are My Gifts Tax-Deductible?

All gifts to The Connection Church, whether through the regular offering or this Christmas Offering, are completely tax-deductible. Your gift will be deductible in the tax year given (i.e., gifts given in 2016 will be deductible on your 2016 taxes).

Please be sure to include your name and address when you give so that a receipt can be sent to you for your tax preparations. You are not required to utilize a tax deduction for your gift, but it is available for all gifts.

How Will I Know How Much We Received?

Please pray for God’s guidance as we all give sacrificially. You will be updated on our giving progress through The Link weekly email updates and during our Sunday services. Reaching this goal will be a celebration of what we can do together as we stretch our faith under God’s leadership.

Have additional questions? Please contact Lauren Simcik in The Connection Church office at lauren@theconnectionchurch.org or call 512.295.1740

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19–20

New Message Series: GridIron

admin — Mon, 05 Sep 2016 17:19:30 +0000

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To win on the Gridiron, football teams need a winning strategy. God’s play book, the Bible, is full of principles for achieving success in life. You’re invited to this new series as we discover how to deal with life’s hard hitting moments and how to execute God’s great plan for your life.

Sunday Service Times: 9, 10:30 & Noon

Click Here for Directions

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FREE BOOK If you live in the area, we’d love to connect with you! Fill out the information below to receive a free copy of the book, How Good Is Good Enough? by bestselling author Andy Stanley, no strings attached! It’s our way of saying thanks for visiting our site.

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New Message: Gotta Catch ‘Em All

admin — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 21:10:41 +0000

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Have you played the record-breaking viral mobile game Pokemon Go? Probably so, since nearly everyone downloaded the app when it launched. But what in the world does it have to do with following Jesus? Find out in this creative and current message from The Connection Church!

Sunday Service Times: 9, 10:30 & Noon

Click Here for Directions

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New Message Series: Passing the Torch

admin — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 04:04:06 +0000

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Every four years the best of the best athletes in the world compete in the Olympic games to honor their country by bringing home the gold medal. At The Connection Church, we’ve caught Olympic fever! You’re invited to join us for this new message series as we discover how to win the race of life and win the prize in our everyday lives.

Sunday Service Times: 9, 10:30 & Noon

Click Here for Directions

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New Message Series: God on Film 2016

admin — Mon, 27 Jun 2016 18:16:29 +0000

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Blockbuster movies are a big part of what Summer’s about. So grab your FREE popcorn and soda at our Cafe and be our guest as we discover timeless truths about how to have a better life, better relationships, and how to know God in a deeper way through this new message series.

Sunday Service Times: 9, 10:30 & Noon

July 3rd – Independence Day: Resurgence – Living in Freedom

July 10th – Free State of Jones – Ridding Racism

July 17th – Finding Dory – Reconnecting with My Family

July 24th – The Secret Life of Pets – Uncovering My Secret Life

July 31st – Jason Bourne – Discovering My True Identity

Click Here for Directions

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School Supplies For Kids

admin — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 23:57:39 +0000

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We’re partnering with Hope & Love 4 Kids to collect school supplies so every kid in the Hays CISD can go to class on the first day of school with all their required items for the new year. Simply bring your donations and place them in a collection box by August 14th.

THE NEED

Out of the 22 campuses in our district, 13 of them are Title I, which means they qualify for federal funding due to a need for financial assistance for the families in those schools. 46% of the 16,500 students are eligible for a reduced/free lunch. Your help can ensure that each child has the confidence of knowing they’re loved and prepared for the year!

WHAT TO BRING (listed in order of need)

BACKPACKS | PLASTIC SUPPLY BOX | COMPOSITION NOTEBOOKS

WASHABLE MARKERS OR CRAYONS | #2 PENCILS | COLORED PENCILS

WIDE-RULED NOTEBOOK PAPER | 1.5” 3-RING BINDERS | PINK ERASERS

HIGHLIGHTERS | WATERCOLOR SET | POCKET FOLDERS WITH BRADS

DIVIDERS | PLASTIC FOLDERS WITH BRADS | PENCIL SHARPENER

PENCIL BAG | PENS | 8OZ BOTTLE OF GLUE OR GLUE STICK

SPIRAL NOTEBOOKS | TISSUE

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New Message Series: The Feels

admin — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 17:28:49 +0000

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Feelings can be like a roller coaster, with high highs of happiness and low lows of sadness, and can even make you go loopy sometimes. In this new series, we’re going to learn to ride the waves of our feelings and actually feel at peace with our emotions. This June, learn about God’s design and how to deal with how you feel.

June 5th – 26th, 2016

Service Times: Sundays at 9am, 10:30am & Noon

Click Here for Directions

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Girl Time: Jammies & Junkfood ’16

admin — Thu, 05 May 2016 15:48:06 +0000

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Take a Walk on the Wild Side!

Calling Girls of All Ages – don’t miss this year’s most anticipated event – Jammies and Junk Food – May 20th at 7:00pm. Wear your pajamas and bring your daughters, moms and sisters to the biggest pajama party you’ve ever seen! We’ll enjoy fun crafts, games, entertainment, girl talk, and of course, all the junk food you can eat! Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at “The Source” in our Lobby.

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New Message Series: Election Infection

admin — Wed, 04 May 2016 02:57:08 +0000

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What would it look like if we filtered our politics through our faith instead of filtering our faith through our politics? In this new message series, we’ll look at what the Bible says to help us navigate the sometimes crazy world of politics.

May 8th – 29th, 2016

Service Times: Sundays at 9am, 10:30am & Noon

Click Here for Directions

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FREE GIFT

If you live in the area, we’d love to connect with you! Fill out the information below to receive a free copy of the book, How Good Is Good Enough? by bestselling author Andy Stanley, no strings attached! It’s our way of saying thanks for visiting our site.

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