Here is an update form our senior pastor, Chris Heckaman, on the Country Rock Church.


"By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35, NAS)


A God Story: “Blood Relatives”

At the close of CRC (Country Rock Church) the other night, a little added excitement graced our gathering. On his way out, one of our members had some type of seizure, fell, and cracked open his head…in two places.

People rallied…towels were brought, 911 was called, those with first-aid experience came and made sure what we were doing was appropriate. I sat on the graveled parking lot with pools of blood on either side of me and held a towel to the man’s head.

And Church continued. Servants mobilized. Gifts were utilized. And love was shown.

Sitting there with the bloody towel to the man’s head, I couldn’t help but wonder, “Who all gets this?” Why do we love so much?

We’re bound…as blood relatives to the world.

The commitment to “blood relatives” is supposed to mean more isn’t it? The way some families treat each other you have to wonder sometimes.

We’re bound…as blood relatives to the world…through the blood of Christ. Our connection is even stronger. We aren’t related through some DNA strand or genetic line…“blood shared.” We’re related through blood shed…Jesus’ shed blood on the cross. And that bond is even stronger.

How strong is it in you? Do you feel compelled…to reach the world and love on the Body? To lie in gravel and hold a bleeding man’s head? Where can you grow a deeper blood relation, whether serving in mission or behind the walls of Christ’s Church?

We’ve seen some pretty neat things at CRC this summer…

• Personal faith commitments.
• People getting in recovery programs.
• A man giving up drinking cold turkey.
• A cadre of servants is joining.
• A core group of church is emerging.

Thank you for your prayers and faithful support of the many ministries of Sidney First.

Journey on Church!