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Field Guide Y O UY R O NUE R I G H LB IO R F HE O O D in aa TT H PPAARRTT TOW NO E of HR R EE EE -PPAARRTT SSEERRIIEESS
Jesus, The Party Guy
H
ave you ever tried to picture Jesus at a party? I find it hard to do. I normally imagine Jesus teaching on a mountainside or surrounded by a crowd desperate for His healing. It’s also not hard to imagine Him at a dinner table with His disciples. But Jesus the “party guy doesn’t so quickly come to mind.
Yet this is the Jesus we find through His biographies in the Bible. He is such a regular at celebrations that He gets accused of being a party animal (Matthew 11:19) ! As appetizers are passed and bonfires are kindled, Jesus creates unexpected social circles, displaying the unique realties of His Kingdom. These interactions, although not popular with religious elites, draw in the disconnected and distant from God. Whole new opportunities to encounter God are extended to “strangers.
Strangers are at the center of hospitality—to care for and love them as you would brothers and sisters. This is what is so powerfully displayed in the social circles of Christ. He doesn’t just bake cookies for the new family on the street and leave them on the doorstep. (Not that there is anything wrong with that—my family is still relatively new to Minnesota and we welcome all cookies !) But Jesus finds a way to rub shoulders with the people in His path. Summers are the ideal time for us to practice hospitality (Romans 12:13). Soccer sidelines, fishing docks, and backyard BBQs are the perfect venues to treat those “strangers as if they are not so strange. Sure, summers are a time when we are typically away from church more often then we like to admit—but that usually means we are also closer to the people Jesus was accused of spending too much time with Himself. Take the challenge on the next pages and really commit to reaching out. Let’s love people like Jesus did.
J A K E K I R C H N E R serves as CONNECTIONS PASTOR
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Block Party CPC
C H A L L E N G E Jesus was intentional about being in relationship. He wants to be in relationship with us today, and He wants US to be in relationship with others—to follow His command to love others. We urge you to reach out to your neighbors this month—whether those next door or across the street, your “neighbors” at work, or the people you see every morning at the club or coffee shop. Start an intentional conversation. But our real hope—and your challenge!—is to make an invitation. We have ideas for you on the following pages, but here are a few ground rules: 1. Have fun.
2. Be experimental—there’s no right way to do this.
3. Don’t overthink it!
Here’s one idea! BLOCK PART Y BRE AKFAST
Who doesn’t love pancakes and sausage? We’ll have the griddles going, so grab a plate and chat with someone new. A great morning to invite a friend or neighbor to CPC as well! S U N D AY, J U LY 3 0 • B E F O R E T H E 9 : 3 0 & 1 1 : 0 0 A M S E R V I C E S N O S AT U R D AY S E R V I C E O N J U LY 2 9
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LET’S
PA R T Y !
“We’re going to feast! We’re going to have a wonderful time!” – Luke 15:23
MY T
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PA R T Y I D E A O
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Beat the Heat! Cool treats like popsicles, ice cream, floats, lemonade, iced coffee, fruit kabobs
AS
Fig. 1
Sprinklers for kids, wading pool, corn hole, or ladder golf AK
E
“I wanted to host something easy, safe, and welcoming, so I hosted a Sundaes on Sunday party.
EASY
eople can feel intimidated if you go overboard. My mom hosted her P neighbor ladies for a yearly luncheon, and they had a great time, but none of them reciprocated. I think they felt like they couldn’t host as lovely a lunch as my mom did, so they didn’t try. I went simple.
SAFE
I love our backyard for entertaining, but I knew neighbors would wonder, ‘Is anyone else back there? What if I am uncomfortable and can’t get away?’ So I did it in the front where it was easy come/easy go, and you could see exactly what you were getting into.
Fig. 2
I had a blackboard welcoming people and bunting tied from a tree to the house. I had nametags and something for people to do (sign their contact info on a neighborhood map) and something to hold (a sundae or root beer float). Our neighbors really connected! Kids rode their bikes up and down the sidewalk while parents talked and found all kinds of things in common!”
WELCOMING
LAURA CROSBY
O ther Par t y Idea s: Book Exchange (with tea and muffins) Block Grill-Off (winner gets a prize) Outdoor Movie (with popcorn, candy, and pop)
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Holiday Party
Fig. 3
Back-to-School, Welcome Fall, Spring Is Here, Easter Egg Hunt, Labor Day, Sledding Party AK
E
“For fourteen years we’ve hosted an outdoor Easter Egg Hunt in our neighborhood. I wanted to start something that wouldn’t require a lot of cooking and cleaning but would be a good connection point. While the kids hunt for eggs, adults gather for coffee and cookies, visit, and help hunt, too. Since there are no age restrictions, it’s not unusual to have 15- and 16-year-olds included in the hunt—they like candy, too! Our neighborhood also has get-togethers for Christmas and 4th of July, so any holiday is a reason to gather for a party!”
NANCY SCHROEDER
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Happy Hour Appetizers and drinks (plus snacks and juice for kids if they are included)
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Invite your street to an impromptu Happy Hour at 5:00PM on a Friday. Get two or three others committed so people won’t worry they will be the only ones there. AK
E
“People generally like getting together, but they don’t want to organize anything. So you just help bring that energy to fruition. When you are invitational, you get the reputation of someone who cares enough to build relationships. That standing goes pretty far to build trust and friendship.”
Fig. 4
DAV ID H A MMOND
IDE
FO
PA R T Y I D E A O
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Service Party Brats, hot dogs, lemonade, and cookies. Keep it simple!
AS
Invite neighbors to do trash pick-up at a local park followed by treats, kids’ play, and conversation. Or host a food shelf collection party!
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W H AT ’S YOUR WORK B ACKGROUND? My husband and I were on staff with Navigators for over twenty years working at college campuses. I also worked in communications with Nav before I transitioned to First Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs. I worked as the Director of Children’s Music for preschool through high school.
and moves! But as a whole, our team has a lot of hopes and dreams. I have a passion to see our team functioning well. And I have a strong belief that relationship is the highest priority in our programming. It’s very easy to focus on program, structure, and performance and completely lose why we’re here. I want to see us leading out relationally into greater and deeper relationships with kids and families. We are excited to partner with parents to see themselves as the spiritual champions of their kids.
W H AT LED YOU TO CPC? The short story is my love for my sister led me to Minneapolis, and my love for First Pres led me to CPC. We originally moved here because I wanted to be close to my sister who was sick with cancer. And because of my love for First Pres and the ECO denomination, I looked into CPC. The way that women are honored and valued here and how their contributions are stewarded really set me free in Christ to be myself and lead.
W H AT A RE YOU E XCITED A BOUT IN YOUR TR A NSITION TO DIRECTOR OF K IDS? It’s been wild and crazy with camps, my son graduating from high school, and CPC construction limitations
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CA N YOU SH A RE A BIT A BOUT YOUR FA ITH JOURNE Y? I accepted Christ at a church camp when I was ten, but I never had people really talk to me about what it meant to follow Jesus. When I was in high school, my brother was diagnosed with schizophrenia. It was a very hard time—I had a lot of anger. The brokenness of my family and constant chaos and stress of living in my home really catapulted my hunger and desire to know a God who could actually bring about real hope and real healing. And He did crazy big things in college to draw me to Himself, to transform this broken kid. I started my freshman year not knowing Jesus to someone wild-on-fire crazy for Christ.
K ATHLEEN SEL JE HOMETOWN: Menomonee Falls, WI FAMILY: Husband, Chad (married 21 years); children, James (18), and twins Claire and Kacy (15)
Nat ional Nig ht O ut! T U E S D AY, A U G U S T 1
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HOBBIES: Singing, baking, reading, walking + talking = twalking! FAVORITE AUTHOR: Lynn Austin BELOVED MOVIES: Pride and Prejudice and Anne of Green Gables GUILTY PLEASURES: Dark chocolate, wine, tea, coffee
THIS JULY W E ’RE FOCUSING ON LOV ING OUR NEIGHBORS. HOW H A S TH AT LOOK ED FOR YOU SINCE YOU MOV ED TO MINNE A POLIS? We have the coolest neighborhood ever—community galore. As Jesus people you want to have a great neighborhood, but we don’t get any credit for it. Yes, we’re showing up, but the relationships were already there. People in our area just love to be neighbors. We have Beer Summits, a book club, a 4th of July party. Recently my car died, and I called my neighbors for help. We’re just there for one another.
This is a no-excuse, easy way to connect with neighbors, build community spirit, and interact with city leaders—many blocks have visits from police, firefighters, and city officials.
DON’ T KNOW IF YOUR BLOCK IS PA R T ICIPAT ING ? V I S I T Y O UR CI T Y ’ S W E B S I T E F OR INF OR M AT ION .
I hated my house when we first moved in. I was actually in grief about it. But the Lord sets our place, and I know He sent me to this street for a reason. I’m often lonely in our neighborhood as a Jesus person. These are awesome people who believe in being generous and good . . . and they are! But because of their kindness, they don’t think they need Jesus. So I’m trying to love people like He did. Jesus plopped us right here in this house for this time and these people.
K A T H L E E N S E L J E recently became the D I R E C T O R of K I D S ’ M I N I S T R I E S
Get practical and encouraging ideas to share your faith in a comfortable and natural way. Thursday, July 20 • 6:30-9:00PM • Sanctuary Sign up: cpconline.org/events
HAPPENINGS EVENTS MID-MONTH CHAPEL
Wednesday, July 19 • 12:00PM A traditional service with prayers by Rich Phenow and a short message by Jordyn Farris (Associate Director of Elementary), hymns, Communion, and prayers. Lunch follows. No reservation necessary.
KIDS & STUDENTS EVENTS KIDS’ CAMP SIGN-UPS OPEN!
Crush Overnight (entering 4th-5th grades): July 14-16 Sign up: cpconline.org/events
KIDS
COLLEGE: CHILLIN’ & GRILLIN’
Wednesdays, July 12, 19, 26, & August 2 • 6:30-8:00PM Come hang out with us each Wednesday of the summer! Our theme is “Intersections: Where God Meets the Things in Our Life.” Visit the College Ministry Facebook page for weekly addresses at local homes. Find more summer events:
ADULTS SUMMER STUDIES BRO TIME BIBLE STUDY
Mondays through August 21 • 7:30-9:00PM • Fellowship Hall Looking for a men’s summer Bible study? Join this multigenerational group from a variety of spiritual backgrounds to study Hebrews. Sign up: cpconline.org/studies
GROUPS
UPDATE: SUMMER WEEKEND PROGRAMS
During Sunday 9:30 & 11:00AM services Due to construction, K-6 is not offered until fall. We encourage kids to attend worship with their parents. Childcare and programming for 6-week-olds through preschool is available in the Fellowship Hall. Sign up: cpconline.org/kids
MIDDLE SCHOOL VALLEYFAIR DAY
Tuesday, July 18 • 10:45AM • meet at CPC Enjoy a day with friends on the rides! Cost: $30. Sign up: cpconline.org/events
CPC BOOK CLUB
Thursday, July 20 • 7:00PM • Sanctuary Prayer Room We discuss The Japanese Lover by Isabel Allende. Nancy Reutiman at 952.920.1837
SMALL GROUPS
CPC offers a variety of groups to help you connect with others and deepen your relationship with Christ. Our hope is that you will find a safe place to explore the Christian faith, dig into the Bible, and be transformed by Jesus in your everyday life. cpconline.org/groups
WOMEN
HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGE HS: CFA WEDNESDAYS
Wednesdays, July 12, 19, & August 2, 9, 16 • 12:00-1:30PM Chick-fil-A Bloomington
HS: BRUNCH & BIBLES
Thursdays, July 13, 20, & August 3, 10 • 10:00AM • Lunds & Byerlys at 50th & France Keep small group going in the summer!
HS: GAME EXTRAVAGANZA
Tuesday, July 18 • 5:30-9:00PM • meet at CPC Join us for some yummy food, a scavenger hunt, a volleyball tournament, and more!
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cpconline.org/events
NEEDLEWORK GUILD
Saturday, July 8 • 10:00AM-2:00PM • Fellowship Hall Our mission is to make warm garments and blankets for local agencies that serve the needy. We have yarn, fabric, and knitters to get you started. Sally Stoutenburgh at 952.927.6915
LET’S CONNECT
Tuesday, July 18 • 6:00PM • Lake Harriet Let’s Connect is a ministry that seeks to provide women who have launched their kids into the world a space to live, learn, and serve while growing in Christ. Meet some new friends and enjoy the long summer evening together. Gather at the Lake
CPCONLINE.ORG • 952.920.8515 Harriet band shell for a walk, then stay for dinner at the lake. Sign up: Deb Paulson at gdmmpaulson@msn.com
follow a spouse’s death. Join us for a summer potluck picnic. Sign up: debc@cpconline.org
SIGN UP FOR MOM’S MORNING (for moms of
GRACE & HOPE FOR OUR CHILDREN
young children) Kickoff: Wednesday, September 13 • 9:30-11:30AM Join other moms for fellowship and inspirational speakers. Sign up starting August 1: cpconline.org/groups
OLDER ADULTS HORIZONS (ACTIVE RETIRED AGE)
Wednesday, July 26 • Depart CPC main entrance at 12:30PM Horizons is an inviting community of active retirement-age singles and couples, experiencing and sharing the good we see all around us! Join us on a guided bus tour of the historic Riverfront District plus time at Mill City Museum! We’ll have dinner afterward at The Old Spaghetti Factory. Cost: $14 (plus dinner on your own). Sign up: Sunday mornings in the Great Room or with Deb Carlson at 952.920.8515 by July 11
EDYNAMOES
Wednesday, August 2 • 11:30AM • Great Room (no luncheon in July) Join us for a delicious summer luncheon and a musical program featuring Scott Beaumont, a guitarist who plays music from the 1920s-1970s and loves sing-a-longs. These songs will open a treasure box full of memories from songs heard on the radio or the jukebox from long ago! Cost: $5. Please bring Jerry’s cash receipts and pop/can tabs. Sign up by July 30: Cleo Wedge at 952.922.2769
CARE GROUPS GRIEF RECOVERY
Tuesdays, July 11 & August 8 • 7:00-8:30PM • Fellowship Hall New summer time! Grief Recovery is for those who have lost a loved one. We experience God’s hope and healing through fellowship, prayer, and dessert. No reservation needed. debbiem@cpconline.org
NEW BEGINNINGS
Saturday, July 15 • 11:30AM • Fellowship Hall New Beginnings is CPC’s support, resource, and friendship community for those dealing with the practical issues that
Tuesday, July 18 • 7:00-8:30PM • Fellowship Hall • meets 3rd Tuesdays Does your child experience emotional or mental health issues? You are not alone. Join other parents, friends, and caregivers as we care for one another on our journeys. Meetings include support, fellowship, and occasional guest speakers. dbrown@dcbrowninc.com
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
Summer meetings will take place once a month at a restaurant The goal of our ministry is to knit or crochet shawls made with the hope of being vessels for God’s presence and comfort. You don’t need knitting experience; all are welcome! Coaching and materials can be provided. For details on time and Pat Johnson at 952.270.1434 location:
LGBTQ FAMILY GROUP
This group is for parents and family members of someone who is LGBTQ. Discuss together how to best love and support rgarton1@msn.com our loved one and each other.
SERVE NEAR BLOOMINGTON LOAVES & FISHES
Fridays, July 21 & August 18 • Prep: 2:00-4:00PM; Serve: 5:00-7:00PM • Creekside Community Center • 3rd Friday Volunteers age 15 and older are welcome to prepare and serve a meal with our Bloomington friends. Sign up for one or both slots: cpconline.org/events
FAR ISRAEL & PALESTINE WITH THE TELOS GROUP
Dates: October 17-27 Trip Leader: Todd Deatherage, Executive Director and founder of The Telos Group, and Rich and Jody Phenow Purpose: Better understand the issues surrounding the IsraeliPalestinian conflict. Learn about the role of people committed to fostering regional peace, meet those representing all sides of the conflict, and hear stories of struggle and hope. Telos’s trips enable Americans to personally encounter multiple narratives as they build authentic relationships with local leaders. FIELD GUIDE VOLUME TWO
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BIRTHS
Samuel and Marcy Eccles welcomed a daughter, Annie Eileen, on March 8. Reid and Loren Christianson welcomed a son, Oden Charles, on March 14. Seth and Alyssa Warren welcomed a daughter, Audra Catherine, on March 18. Nathan and Emily Marcusen welcomed a daughter, Clara Elizabeth, on April 17. Nicholas and Amanda Moriarty welcomed a son, Breccan Austin, on May 30. Todd and Mara Teske welcomed a son, Lazarus Josiah Walter, on June 11. Cooper and Annalise Butler welcomed a son, Charles (Cass) William, on June 15. Larwin and Kristina Kauffman welcomed a son, Theodore Norton, on June 18.
MARRIAGES
Jessica Shiret Douglas and Walter Benjamin Winger were married on May 27. The Rev. Dr. John Crosby officiated. Anne Kathleen Boehne and Graham William Johnson were married on June 3. The Rev. Rich Phenow officiated. Jennifer Ann Broman and Maxwell Robert Moreland were married on June 9. The Rev. Rich Phenow officiated.
Bob Kottke passed away on April 1 at the age of 84. Jerry Nachtigal passed away on April 16 at the age of 57. He is survived by sister Jane Eastlund. Annette Horton passed away on April 19 at the age of 83. She is survived by daughter Cindy Wood. Donald Koskinen passed away on April 20. He is survived by daughter Anne Koskinen Leighton. Elizabeth Grimes passed away on April 26 at the age of 90. She is survived by daughter Mary Risinger. Casimir Janiszewski passed away on May 8. He is survived by son David Janiszewski. Ruth Woodyard passed away on May 15 at the age of 92. She is survived by daughter Cathy Snyder. Leslie Lowes Payne passed away on May 16 at the age of 88. He is survived by daughter Sue Payne. Lois Michael passed away on May 17 at the age of 94. She is survived by granddaughter Becky Waters. Robert Worsing passed away on May 22 at the age of 93. He is survived by daughter Ann McPheeters. Richard “Dick” Johnson passed away on May 24 at the age of 86. Betty Jane Tripp passed away on May 31 at the age of 100. She is survived by daughter Shelley Carpenter. Ruth L. Krieger passed away on June 1 at the age of 92. She is survived by son Darrell Krieger.
DEATHS
Douglas Maxwell passed away on June 3 at the age of 94. He is survived by wife, Beverly.
Jane Nordin passed away on March 19 at the age of 91. She is survived by son Bruce Nordin.
Sanford “Sandy” Loomis passed away on June 4 at the age of 88. He is survived by wife, Lois, and son, William Loomis.
Dorothy Snell passed away on March 8 at the age of 97.
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Helen Hayes passed away on June 6 at the age of 74. She was a beloved CPC Childcare employee for 20 years. Peter Buelens passed away on June 9 at the age of 83. He is survived by daughter Tricia DeVries. Sara Christine Benson passed away on June 16 at the age of 33. She is survived by her parents, Mike and Ann Benson. Walter Nkansah passed away at the age of 83. He is survived by daughter Comfort Cobblah.
RECENTLY HOSPITALIZED Dave Appelhof Diana Bartizal Joelle Bass Patty Costigan Mary Alice Craig John Ellis
Joan Jensen Deb Loots Jackie Morrow Julie Parke Tracy Pearson Marilyn Ridge
Dave Scherf Bruce Vetsch Carol Wallace Mitzi Wilcox
STAFF TRANSITIONS
Kathleen Selje transitioned from Elementary Associate to Director of Kids’ Ministries. We’re excited to announce that The Table has launched at their new location at Knox Church in South Minneapolis. Matt Moberg’s final day at CPC was June 30.
FINANCIAL UPDATE
June 1, 2016-May 31, 2017 Ministry Offering Budget: $5,156,400.00 Actual Offering: $4,731,254.37 Variance: ($425,145.63) YTD Mission Focus Total: $349,029.20 Expenses are under budget year-to-date.
SUMMER CONSTRUCTION FOCUS • renovation of the north end of the building (new staircase, family check-in, kids classrooms, offices, and a large-group space for elementary) • new restrooms in the Great Room and renovation of the three balcony rooms • renovation of the men’s and women’s restrooms and showers off the gym • renovation of the third floor east wing, including dormers and the creation of new office, classroom, and small-group spaces.
CONSTRUCTION
Visit cpconline.org and click the Construction button to see photos and learn the latest on current construction work and changes at CPC! FIELD GUIDE VOLUME TWO
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EVERYONE HAS INFLUENCE.
The Global Leadership Summit You are a leader: at home, work, school, in the community. And everyone wins when a leader gets better! Speakers include: Sheryl Sandberg, Andy Stanley, Gary Haugen, Michael Jr.
Sign up: cpconline.org/event/gls Thursday-Friday, August 10-11 Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Edina
Joi n us th is su m mer for worsh ip S A T U R D AY S A T 5 : 1 5 P M *No service on July 29
CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP S U N D AY S A T 9 : 3 0 A M WA N T T O W OR SHIP ON S UNDAY NIGH T S ?
Worship & Prayer Gathering In July, we’ll focus on the sayings of Jesus. Communion • music by Ben Noble and Sara Lightbody
Sundays, July 23 & August 27 5:00PM • Sanctuary
TRADITIONAL WORSHIP S U N D AY S A T 1 1 : 0 0 A M
CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP