Christ's Church of Deer Park

06/12/2026

This week’s message from Dr. Tony Nelson reminded us that one of the greatest gifts God gives us is a friend who helps us find strength in Him.

When David was hiding in the wilderness, discouraged and facing uncertainty, Jonathan sought him out and “helped him find strength in God” (1 Samuel 23:16). Jonathan didn’t simply offer advice or encouragement—he pointed David back to the Lord.

We all walk through seasons where we feel weary, overwhelmed, or unsure of what comes next. In those moments, we need friends who remind us of God’s faithfulness, speak truth over our lives, and help us keep our eyes fixed on Christ.

And just as importantly, we are called to be that kind of friend for others.

Who has helped you find strength in God during a difficult season?

Take a moment this week to thank them—or better yet, be a Jonathan to someone who needs encouragement today.

“Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God.” — 1 Samuel 23:16

06/09/2026

This week’s message from Dr. Tony Nelson challenged us to think about the kinds of friendships we surround ourselves with.

King David’s life shows us that we all need different kinds of friends—and one of the most important is a friend who makes us better. Samuel was that kind of friend for David. He saw God’s calling on David’s life and encouraged him toward the person God created him to be.

The best friendships don’t just make us feel comfortable—they help us grow. They challenge us, encourage us, point us toward Christ, and remind us of who God says we are.

As you reflect this week, ask yourself:
• Who are the people helping you become more like Christ?
• Who is speaking truth into your life?
• Who are you helping become better?

“From that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David.” — 1 Samuel 16:13

Let’s be the kind of friends who encourage God’s purpose in one another.

06/03/2026

What is a friend?

In our culture, friendship is often reduced to likes, follows, comments, and convenience. But Scripture gives us a much deeper picture.

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17

This week, Dr. Tony Nelson challenged us to think about friendship not as someone who simply celebrates our successes, but as someone who walks with us through life’s difficulties. Real friendship isn’t measured by how many people know your name—it’s measured by who stays when life gets hard.

And perhaps the greater question is not, “Do I have friends like that?” but “Am I a friend like that?”

May we be people who love consistently, show up faithfully, and reflect the kind of friendship Christ has shown us.

06/02/2026

“Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future.”

This simple statement was at the heart of Dr. Tony Nelson’s message on friendship this Sunday.

In John 15:15, Jesus tells His disciples, “I no longer call you servants… Instead, I have called you friends.” What an incredible reminder that friendship is not only important to us—it’s something God Himself values.

The people we spend our time with shape our character, influence our decisions, and often determine the direction of our lives. That’s why choosing friendships wisely matters. Are the people around us drawing us closer to Christ? Are we becoming the kind of friend that encourages, challenges, and supports others in their walk with Him?

Friendship isn’t just about having people to spend time with. It’s about surrounding ourselves with people who help us grow into who God created us to be.

Take a moment this week to thank God for the friends who have encouraged your faith—and ask Him how you can be that kind of friend to someone else.

05/31/2026

🤝 Friendship doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built on a foundation.

Join us this Sunday at 10:00 AM as Dr. Tony Nelson kicks off a new message, “Friending: The Foundation of Friendship.”

In a world that’s more connected than ever, many people still find themselves longing for deeper, more meaningful relationships. What does God’s Word teach us about friendship? How do we build friendships that encourage, strengthen, and point us closer to Christ?

Whether you’re looking for community, wanting to grow in your relationships, or simply curious about what biblical friendship looks like, we’d love to have you with us.

📍 Christ Church of Deer Park
🕙 Sunday at 10:00 AM

Bring a friend—and come discover the foundation that great friendships are built on. 💙

05/17/2026

LAST CHANCE: Story Workshop TODAY! After the 10AM service (roughly 11:30AM start time)
We have a few spots left, come share your story and enjoy a pizza lunch, our treat!!

This event is completely free, and you will be guided through the process by the founder of the project, Jon Schuler.
Jon grew up here at Christ Church of Deer Park, his faith journey has been so impacted by this congregation and he is thrilled to be launching this incredible project and especially here at Christ Church, where his story has so many connections.

If you've been wanting to finally write out your testimony—this is your opportunity.
2 hours. Guided questions. Small groups. You'll leave with a completed story.
Register now: www.cloudofwitnesses.co/events/ccdp

05/15/2026

✨ Mark Your Calendars! ✨

🗓️ May 17th
⏰ After the 10AM Service
🍕 Lunch Provided

Join the Cloud of Witnesses Project for a FREE workshop hosted by CDDP.

This is more than just a workshop — it’s an experience unlike anything you’ve seen before. Sit down with the founder and expert behind Cloud of Witnesses to craft and share your testimony, while reflecting on the people God has placed in your life who have spoken truth, hope, and life into you along the way.

You’ll also have the opportunity to hear the stories of other believers and experience the power of testimony together. There is light in your story, and there is strength in community. ❤️

We can’t wait to experience this together!

05/14/2026

"I've been a Christian for 20 years and never knew how to put my story into words.”
That's what we hear at almost every Story Workshop. If that's you—this workshop is for
YOU.

Meet Jon- the founder of The Cloud of Witnesses Project and the host of our FREE workshop this Sunday. Jon grew up in this church, CCDP, and we are so excited to welcome him back and to share in his vision of the beauty of our stories and how God expertly crafts them together.

May 17th (*after 10am Service) at Christ Church of Deer Park
Register. Here 👉🏽 http://www.cloudofwitnesses.co/events/ccdp
🍕Pizza lunch will be provided!

Here's what happens:
• Some simple teaching about why your story matters (with real-world examples)
and
• You process your story in safe groups: who you were before Jesus, what you
found in Him, how your life is different now
• You draft your story using a simple guided process
• You see your "spiritual family tree"—a visual of who led you to Christ and who
you've influenced
By the end: 80% of people have a completed story they can actually share. Register Today!

(*Please bring an electronic device i.e. a laptop, tablet, or a smart phone.)

In our workshops, the #1 thing people say is: "My story is boring—nobody would care to hear about it." We 100% disagree. Every Christian is one question away from unlocking the power of their faith story—but they don't know which question to ask.

05/12/2026

Forgiveness is one of the hardest things we’re called to do… and one of the most freeing.

This week, Dr. Tony Nelson reminded us that forgiveness isn’t about pretending the hurt didn’t happen. It’s about choosing obedience over bitterness, grace over resentment, and trusting God with what we can’t carry anymore.

Jesus didn’t say forgiveness would always feel easy — but He did show us what it looks like. When we forgive, we reflect the heart of the Father and make room for healing in our own lives too.

Who do you need to release to God today? 🤍