Core Community Church of Omaha

NOTE: We have asked Mark Goetz to share his story as a way of encouragement to many of us.  Feel free to leave a comment, and we will pass it directly on to Mark.

In October of 2008 my ankle was in pain.  I was always one who worked out a lot, at times struggling to the point of exhaustion.  After years of trying to run and run and run my body finally broke down from my striving and my tendonitis took over my achilles tendon on my left leg, giving me a slight limp and a lot of pain.  I was 32 and was going to be facing serious rehab, possibly surgery.   Since I knew the cost was high, I was waiting to go to the doctor after the turn of the year because of the deductible on health insurance.

About that time Core started inviting people who needed prayer to “go to the back if you have anything, no matter how small or big to be prayed for.”  I decided to be obedient to God by walking back and asking for healing prayer for the most nagging pain in my life at the time – my ankle.  That Sunday Pastor Matthew laid his hands on my heel and prayed in faith that Jesus would heal my achilles and take away my limp.  At first nothing happened, but by that night the limp had given away while the pain still persisted.  By Tuesday morning I was completely free of both pain and limp.  What I thought was going to lead to surgery and physical therapy was healed there in the back of the Playhouse that Sunday.  I continue to work out occasionally but without the striving.  Even now – over a year later – I am still pain and limp free.

Honestly, it felt awkward at best to go to the back to have something so seemingly trivial prayed for that Sunday.  After all, Core has stories of homeless people, serving the poor who are staving and hurting far worse than I was.  I wrestled with thoughts of being greedy: “Should I just hold on to this small infirmity and deal with it as any good Christian should?”  But I was obedient to ask for healing prayer, and it turns out my Father is even concerned about the smallest of maladies and bringing healing to them.  He gets glory even from my achilles tendon!

If you, too, want prayer for something in your life – no matter how small or big – we encourage you to join us this Saturday night at reFresh, 7pm, at Mark and Sierra Goetz’s house (5634 Parker Street, Omaha, NE).

Omaha Community Playhouse employee, Lara Marsh,  has Cystic Fibrosis and is in need of a double-lung transplant. This year she celebrates her 40th birthday, a milestone for anyone living with CF.  Since we have the privilege of meeting at the Playhouse for our Sunday gathering, Lara serves our church week in and week out!  We’d like to show our appreciation for all Lara does by celebrating her birthday with her and raising awareness for this benefit on her behalf.

Omaha native Billy McGuigan has graciously offered to perform a benefit concert on April 12 at the Playhouse to raise funds to help Lara meet her goal of $100,000. Proceeds from this special performance will be donated to Lara’s Children’s Organ Transplant Association account and used towards transplant-related expenses.

You are invited to Lara’s 40th Birthday Reception!  Drop in between 5 and 8 p.m. to enjoy cake, punch and merriment. Wine and soft drinks will be available at the cash bar. All are welcome!  Visit the blog post here for more information on the event and to learn more about Lara.

It has become a regular, refreshing tradition of Core’s to hold Advent gatherings each Christmas season.  These are times of rich community, inter-generational connections, and intentional remembrance of Jesus’ coming to the earth.  The Advent gatherings begin at 5:30pm with an informal community meal.  Bring some food and share with others.  Then at 6:30pm we gather for a more liturgical service, including Bible reading, singing hymns, and a short homily.  This year’s Advent gatherings will complement our journey through 1 Peter.

We encourage you to come.  And please do us a huge favor by signing up below, so we can prepare for you.  Children are welcome and encouraged to participate.  Childcare will not be provided, but a nursery space will be available if parents wish to accompany their children.

• Wednesdays, December 2, 9, 16, and 23.
• 5:30-7:30pm.  Meal at 5:30pm.  Service at 6:30pm.
• Central Presbyterian Church, located at the corner of 55th and Leavenworth (map).
• Questions? Just let us know.

Join us for a special night of refreshment as we worship, pray together, and meditate on the powerful message of 1 Peter 2 and our identity as God’s people: a chosen race, a royal priesthood, and holy nation.

When: October 10, 7pm

Where: Goetz’s home, 5634 Parker St.

Contact: Sierra Goetz (sierragoetz@yahoo.com)