CPC Life November 2014 by Christ Presbyterian Church

CPC LIFE | A New Vision of Generosity

NOVEMBER 2014

G R AC E

’m up north for a planned time of quiet, prayer, and reflection, on what feels like the perfect days of October. Golden trees, harvested corn seven feet tall, that soft lateafternoon autumn sunshine . . . and the first nip of what’s to come for the next five to six months! Still, email finds me, reminding me of deadlines and to-dos like this article. As I drive past fields and see the falling leaves, I think of bounty, the abundance of life God pours on us. Materially, relationally . . . a million memories of faithfulness surface if we just take time to recall them. But when was the last time you stopped in gratitude? I find I’m usually too busy thinking or planning, worrying or scheming—or simply praying, “God give us . . . ” Perhaps it’s providential, being up here the week after Laura’s and my twenty-fifth anniversary at CPC (and thanks again, by the way, both for the celebration and the years!). I’ve been reflecting both on what’s happened and what is yet ahead, trying to bring fresh language that will guide us for the long haul into the years before

CPC Life is a monthly publication of Christ Presbyterian Church (CPC). Complimentary copies available monthly at CPC or at cpconline.org/cpclife. Mail Subscriptions: Suggested annual donation of $20. Please write Editor, CPC Life, Christ Presbyterian Church, 6901 Normandale Road, Edina, MN 55435. 2 NOVEMBER 2014 | CPC LIFE

us. Here’s what I’ve come up with so far: Sharing grace in ways that lead to life. The foundation of that vision is the unmerited love and grace of Jesus and the abundance of life He promises. Jesus says in the Book of John, “The thief comes to destroy, but I have come that you might have life, in all its abundance.” I believe that sharing grace—found in Jesus—is the cornerstone of community.

“Sharing means that we look outside ourselves, to offer riches we’ve received as a gift for others.” Sharing, however, is only possible if you have something to share. It becomes a reminder that I need to know the grace of God personally, and in fresh, new ways. My life verse is 1 Corinthians 15:10, summarized this way: “I don’t deserve it, but by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me has not been without effect.” Sharing requires relationships with others, to see our common brokenness and the ways

Jesus’ grace heals. And sharing means that we look outside ourselves, to offer riches we’ve received as a gift for others. Some lack financially, others experience relational pain or loss, while others suffer a dry, empty existence. Only grace can bring meaning to frenetic lives. But sharing is not simple. First we have to unlearn our childhood need to possess even more and instead bless others as we’ve been blessed. As Bob Lupton reminded us in Toxic Charity, even the best of intentions require wisdom, courage, and persistence—and, of course, relationships strong enough for hard truth. My hope is that we might learn together this Thanksgiving month, seeking to better understand God’s abundance in our lives and how we might share the grace He bestows on us. As for now, I’m turning off the email!

John Crosby serves as Senior Pastor.

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We welcome your letters and comments! Please email communications@cpconline.org.

Art Direction & Design: Jeremy Emmerich, Matt Schubbe

Editor: Jennifer Boardman

Editorial Assistants: Maggie Keller, Claire Sweem Handwritten typography by Claire Sweem

PC has shown its generosity in countless ways through the years, actively seeking to support and meet the needs in our church, city, and world. But the landscape of outreach is changing. Churches have traditionally attempted to meet the needs of those in under-resourced communities through charitable gifts—providing clothes, food, and housing to those most in need. This way of giving is not new to the Church; throughout Church history we have stories of the wealthy giving away all that they own and moving into poor communities to serve. What is new, however, are the growing complexities of poverty, the influence of broken governmental systems, and the fast-growing disparity gaps that families in under-resourced communities face. The hard truth that we are hearing from community developers such as Bob Lupton is that in the whirlwind of generosity, the American church has unintentionally stripped families of their dignity and of their ability to help themselves. What this means is that through our attempts to fix, solve, and meet needs, we have replaced the value of relationships with our ability to give monetarily. This is what is so challenging about the message Bob Lupton brought to CPC in October: In the giving quotient, what is truly necessary is not simply our money but also our time. Lupton brought to us the

concept of “being better neighbors.” To be a better neighbor is to be in relationship with people who are very different from ourselves. It requires us to travel to North and South Minneapolis, it requires us to hear the hard realities that many people face, and it challenges us to come alongside and partner with our neighbors rather than fixing them and their problems.

“We have replaced the value of relationships with our ability to give monetarily.” A few years ago I had the opportunity to hear a Native American pastor teach, and in his teaching he shared a familiar analogy: A man is walking beside a river and sees a baby floating in the water. He immediately jumps into the river to save the baby. Once he is out, he notices another baby floating in the river, and again he jumps in. This happens repeatedly. Soon another man strolls by and jumps in the river to help the first man. As both men begin to grow fatigued, one of the men says, “Come. Let us go upstream and see what is the source of this problem.”

in Lupton’s model of effective missional engagement. Under the leadership of Pastor Paul Tshihamba, the Missions Department has been thoughtfully examining how CPC gives. It is our hope to step away from giving that is toxic and to begin investing our time, our gifts, and our resources in ways that empower families and transform communities. As we work to implement these goals, you can expect to see more initiatives with volunteer components, learning opportunities, and sustainable engagement with our key missions partners. One initial change is to our Adopt-AFamily model, which has been transformed to an event named Joy of Giving. We will partner with Plymouth Christian Youth Center in North Minneapolis to run their annual Christmas Store, where neighborhood youth in grades K-12 can purchase gifts for their family members. Gifts priced between $7-10 are donated to the store, and each young person pays $1 to shop for five gifts. Learn how to volunteer or to donate gifts on page 10, and consider how you might invest both time and money in new ways, to truly embrace Jesus’ call to love our neighbors.

Dee McIntosh serves as Associate Pastor of Missional Community Engagement.

Lupton challenged us, both as a church and individually, to journey upstream with our neighbors to find solutions to the problems they face. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of relationships CPC LIFE

NOVEMBER 2014

THE

Church: The Local

GEN

3 PROJECT

an Investment for the Future

efore coming to CPC as Executive Pastor, I spent twenty-five years as a health care consultant helping care organizations develop strategic plans. Essential to that process was to articulate one’s mission. As a church, our mission is defined by Jesus’ words on what is the most important commandment: “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” But Jesus leaves us with more. In His final words, He gives us His Great Commission: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

This call to make disciples has been embraced by CPC from its very beginning. And since that time, CPC has built the value of being generational. To bring all people into a transforming relationship with Jesus is the core of our purpose. Evidence of this is seen across the many ministries here—from the more than 1,200 adults participating in classes and communities to the more than 800 kids registered for weekly programs.

“How we love and support, guide and nurture our faith community is truly our past, present, and future at CPC.”

So what is our mission statement as Jesus Christ’s Church and as His followers? It is to follow Jesus, love others, and live missionally—to make disciples.

In November we ask all those who consider CPC to be their faith community to make a financial commitment to support the ministry of CPC in 2015. In making a commitment to CPC, you are choosing to invest in the important work of the local church. From the boon of babies and toddlers, to the crowds of teens, to the discipleship of adults in all stages of life, this is where we

Make Your 2015 Financial Commitment to CPC.

Commitment Cards mailed to homes in November.

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CPC LIFE

are introducing the love and grace of Jesus Christ and preparing followers to impact the world. How we love and support, guide and nurture our faith community is truly our past, present, and future at CPC. My prayer for all of us is that the act of giving is something we enter into with grateful and generous hearts. The local church is entrusted with spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ, and it is truly the hope of the world. Together, let us live into Christ’s mission for us with abundance and gratitude for the blessings we have.

John Mitchell serves as Executive Pastor.

Please return by the end of the month or visit cpconline.org/give.

THANKSGIVING WORSHIP SERVICE Thursday, November 27 at 9:30AM in the Sanctuary Offer our thanks to God as a community. James Madsen speaks; enjoy special music and a time of sharing.

WANT TO BE A CPC INTERN? CPC is looking for a team of 12 college students to serve the kids and students of our church from May 26 to July 30, 2015. Apply by MONDAY, DECEMBER 15 at cpconline.org/summerinterns. Interviews held during Christmas break.

“I saw in the children I worked with this summer a wonder and desire to learn about God that inspired me to dig deeper into my own faith. Through each relationship I formed with a child, I also strengthened my relationship with God.” – FORMER CPC COLLEGE INTERN

FAITH STORY

GROWING FAITH, GROWING GENEROSITY Ward Jensen

grew up going to church every Sunday, but it was about duty, never relationship. After graduating from college, I joined the navy as a supply officer. But my navy career ended rather suddenly and not as I had planned. So at that point my wife, Jacque, and our two kids moved back to Minnesota to be near family. I followed six weeks later, unhappy and clinically depressed, though I didn’t know it at the time. My mom is a member of CPC, and through the years we would attend services with her while home on leave. But I had a bad attitude, bristling at going to what I considered to be a hoitytoity church in Edina. Upon my return to Minnesota, my family dragged me to a service here. At that time I would have characterized myself as one of those people who would arrive a little late to church and slip into the back row. Instead, here I was sitting in the front row, with a rather boisterous fellow with long hair chatting with me before giving the Children’s Sermon. I had this distinct thought: Oh no—they’ve found me. That was the beginning of my faith journey. My wife and I took a Bible 101 class because we realized we didn’t know anything about the Bible. I slowly began to learn about the Gospel, about who Jesus is. We followed that up with more classes. I started to understand what grace truly was—it was making the long trip from my head to my heart.

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I worked in the private sector for a few different companies and realized, because I had taken the LifeKeys class with David Stark, that this career did not fit my gifts. So I went back to school to be a teacher, but I got angry with God because I couldn’t find a job. I subbed and worked as a reading teacher, then found out I wouldn’t be rehired due to changing staff needs. All summer I was mad and struggling. Then the week before school started, I got a call from Valley View Middle School in Edina. The principal wanted to interview me for a job that involved engineering. My response was, “Fine. But I don’t have any credentials to teach it.” So I went in, and they offered me the job. Only God could have orchestrated that, because my lifelong interests and hobbies have always revolved around engineering-type things: cars and trucks and motorcycles, building things and taking them apart. Just as I figured out my career giftings, I also came to understand that my strongest spiritual gift is service. I know how to lead, but I’ve discovered I’m better as someone’s “number two.” Learning to be content with that has allowed me to support and serve the church in all sorts of ways—coaching youth in Elevate, being a deacon, and serving on the usher team. Throughout our years at CPC, Jacque and I were both on board with giving our time and talents. And we’d always given financially, but like many, it was

mediocre at best. There was a lot of lip service, but the actual doing part was hard. On a percentage basis we’d probably never gotten past 5 percent. But three years ago when my dad passed, we received some money. How were we going to use it? First we paid down debt, but the next step was to look at our income. Before we did anything else, planned anything else, we just lopped off 10 percent. I knew we’d never have the discipline to get to this place again. We chose to give to CPC and a few other places monthly, and it goes automatically. For me, I knew I’d find something else to do with the money if it wasn’t handled that way, and God would end up in second or third or fourth place in that list. And I didn’t want to go there again. My relationship with Jesus wasn’t a sudden epiphany. I grew into it. It’s been a growing understanding that He is my Savior, friend. He’s with me in all circumstances. He is an element of me. And the ways I’ve grown have never been even. First it was in learning about Jesus and the Bible, and connecting with others. Then it was serving, followed by a greater call to give. Every once in a while, when I see the money we tithe each month, I feel a temptation not to keep doing it. But I firmly believe that when I let go and don’t hang on to my stuff so tightly, God blesses me in many other ways.

W H E N C R E AT I V I T Y S U P P O R T S C R E AT I V I T Y

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22 | 9:00AM-4:00PM | GIFTS | COOKIE SALE | HOMEMADE SOUP LUNCH

20 14 MA R KS T HE T HI RT EEN TH YEAR OF CPC’S H OLIDAY BOUTIQU E . For many, it’s the chance to find creative, handmade gis to check off our Christmas lists. But for the countless volunteers who facilitate the event, the most significant impact is the long history of worship and arts-related support, education, and training. AL L P RO C E E DS from the vendor registration, cookie sale, and soup lunch go toward local and global ministries.

1. SET UP

Every year, over

300 APPLICATIONS ARE SENT TO VENDORS IN AUGUST.

3. LUNCH

115 40

are selected to be part of the annual boutique vendors are on the waiting list

attend the Holiday Boutique each year. Vendor registration proceeds have supported the arts and training of worship leaders and musicians in:

the DR

Musical instruments for the Christian Music Academie in Ukraine Equipment for CPC’s Covenant Bells Student camp scholarships

4. COOKIES

BETWE E N 1, 500 A ND 2 , 0 0 0 S HO P P ER S

CONGO

400

MONEY HAS GONE TO:

SOUP LUNCHES ARE SOLD EACH YEAR.

2. CRAFTS

KENYA

nearly

Baghdad IRAQ

UKRAINE

more than

750

DOZEN COOKIES ARE SOLD (THAT’S OVER 9,000 COOKIES!)

Cookie proceeds support local ministries like: BANYAN (transforming youth and families in the Phillips neighborhood) (Christ-centered support for teen mothers and their children)

Invite your family and friends to come shop and lunch for a good cause! Many thanks to CPC’s Christian Fine Arts Commi ee and Women’s Ministries for their hard work coordinating the Holiday Boutique.

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MINISTRY PROGRAMMING | 2014 NOVEMBER ISSUE

CPC Ministry Programming November 2014

At CPC, we seek to inspire all generations to follow Jesus, love others, and live missionally. Please look through the various programs for kids, students, and adults—and join us! For fuller descriptions and more information on any of these programs, please visit cpconline.org. with our worshiping community, offering our thanks to God with special music and a sermon by James Madsen.

GENERAL TWO RIVERS CHORALE: ”CHRISTMAS GARLANDS”

Friday, November 14 at 7:30PM at CPC Be inspired for the holidays with this program of festive holiday music by this acclaimed 75-voice community chorus, under the direction of Timothy Sawyer. The program is free-of-charge and open to the public; sponsored by the CPC Christian Fine Arts Committee.

MID-MONTH CHAPEL SERVICE

Wednesday, November 19 at 12:00PM A traditional service with a short message by Debbie Manning, hymns, Communion, and prayers. Lunch follows.

COOKIE BAKE SALE

Cookie drop-off: Friday, November 21 from 12:00-5:00PM Love to bake and want to help raise money for women’s ministries at CPC? Share your holiday cookies or bars by placing one dozen per plate in a gallon Ziploc bag. Contact: Lyndie Shackelford at 952.201.5278; lyndie.shackelford@ gmail.com.

HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE

Saturday, November 22 from 9:00AM4:00PM An opportunity to purchase original artwork, custom crafts, jewelry, pottery, food, and a soup lunch to benefit missions, education, and arts programming. Bring your friends and Christmas lists. Contact: Linda Cravens at 952.922.5473.

THANKSGIVING DAY WORSHIP

Thursday, November 27 at 9:30AM in the Sanctuary Begin your Thanksgiving Day celebration

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CPC LIFE

ADULTS IN THE WORD

Mondays from 9:30-11:30AM in Room 107 An intergenerational discussion-oriented study on the Gospel of Mark for men and women. Childcare available ($50/ semester). Register: cpconline.org/ register. Contact: James Madsen at x308; jamesm@cpconline.org.

SUNDAY COMMUNITIES

Sundays at 9:30AM & 10:45AM Sunday Communities offer a place to belong and a place to grow with people in a similar life stage. Starting November 9, we launch our next six-week teaching series. Look below and visit cpconline.org/ sc for descriptions. Contact: Dan Anderson at x298; danderson@cpconline.org. MIXED TAPES (20s & 30s) “Raising Little Kids with Big Love” with Becky Danielson. Meets at 9:30AM in Fellowship Hall-West. Contact: cpcmixedtapes@gmail.com. S.A.L.T. (40s & 50s) “A Man of Grace and Grit: Gleanings from the Apostle Paul” with Randy Andersen. Meets at 9:30AM in Fellowship Hall-East. Contact: cpcsalt@gmail.com. A.C.T.S. (First-Wave Baby Boomers) “The Grace-Transformed Life” with James and Anna Madsen. Meets at 9:30AM in Fellowship Hall-Center. Contact: actssmc@gmail.com. MORE (Active Retired) “Christian Calling” with Jon Keller. Meets at 10:45AM in Room 107. Contact: gvandeh2o@gmail.com. CREDO (Intergenerational) “The Bible as Story” with Deb Kielsmeier. Meets at 10:45AM in

Fellowship Hall-West. Contact: cpcscredo@gmail.com.

CPC BOOK CLUB

Thursday, November 20 at 7:00PM in the Room 201; meets 3rd Thursdays We discuss Shoemaker’s Wife by Adriana Trigiani. Contact: Nancy Reutiman at 952.920.1837.

SMALL GROUPS Wherever you are in your spiritual journey, being in relationship is essential to your transformation. Register: cpconline.org/register. Contact: Deb Carlson at x316; debc@cpconline.org.

WOMEN

NEW! EVENING MOM’S GROUP

2nd Thursdays beginning November 13 from 7:00-8:30PM in Room 200 Join with other moms to connect and grow together in faith. Geared toward moms with young kids through elementary age.

MEN

DADS’ GROUP

Wednesdays from 6:15-7:30PM in the Parlor Led by Allen Pofahl and Tom Wagner, this group focuses on growing in our roles as dads of young children through early high schoolers.

TUESDAY EVENING GROUP

Tuesdays from 7:00-8:00PM in Room 201

THURSDAY MORNING GROUP

Thursdays from 7:00-8:00AM in Room 108 Deepen your faith in this men’s group led by James Madsen as we study Gospel-Centered Life at Work. Contact: James Madsen at 952.920.8515 x308 or jamesm@cpconline.org.

2014 NOVEMBER ISSUE | MINISTRY PROGRAMMING

THURSDAY MORNING GROUP

Thursdays from 7:00-8:00AM in Room 201 Led by Matt Faulkner, this group discusses Unbroken by Laura Hillebrand.

NEW! FRIDAY MORNING GROUP

Fridays from 7:00-8:00AM at CPC This new group will begin meeting with sufficient interest.

COUPLES

Being in a couples’ group is a great way to strengthen your marriage and grow together. Our groups are based on age ranges and life stages and generally meet one evening a month in homes. Days/times below don’t fit your schedule? Please indicate your preferences when you register. NEW! 20s-30s 2nd Mondays at 7:00PM This group will launch with sufficient interest. NEW! 30s-40s Meets 3rd Mondays at 7:00PM This group will launch with sufficient interest. 40s-50s Meets 2nd Mondays at 7:00PM; 1st Tuesdays at 7:00PM The Monday group is open to new members; the Tuesday group will launch with sufficient interest. NEW! 50s & UP Meets 2nd Sundays at 7:00PM

WOMEN NEEDLEWORK GUILD

Saturday, November 8 from 10:00AM2:00PM in the Fellowship Hall; meets 2nd Saturdays 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. Contact: Sally Stoutenburgh at 952.927.6915.

AMAZING GRACE BOOK GROUP

Monday, November 10 at 1:00PM in the Parlor; meets 2nd Mondays We discuss Bridge to Haven by Francine

Rivers. All are welcome! Contact: Carol Krebs at 952.944.6639.

MOM’S MORNING

Large Group Wednesday, November 12 in the Fireside Room from 9:30-11:30AM; meets 2nd & 4th Wednesdays Join other moms for fellowship and inspirational speakers. This month, enjoy Fall Fellowship Day, a relaxed morning of conversation and crafts. Cost: $50/ year; $60/child for childcare. Register by contacting: Tara Wagner at taramwagner@gmail.com.

MOMS OF TEENS

Large Group Thursday, November 20 from 9:1511:30AM in the Fellowship Hall Come join our conversation with Andy Swanda from TreeHouse on “Joining the Journey: Walking with Your Teen in Life and Faith.” We will gain insight into the developing spiritual lives of our children. Moms of tweens are encouraged to come as well! Cost: $5. Contact: Colette Prohofsky at 952.920.8714; coprohof@gmail.com. Small Groups Daytime: meet twice monthly on Thursdays from 9:30-11:00AM in Rooms 200, 201, & 202 Evening: meet 1st & 3rd Mondays from 7:00-8:30PM in Room 203 Groups discuss a Christian parenting book and support one another on our parenting journeys. Evening group alternates between the book study and watching a video of the monthly Large Group speaker. Contact: Cheryl Lamone at 612.275.3436; cheryllam@me.com.

TUESDAY AFTERNOON WOMEN’S STUDY

Tuesdays from 1:00-2:30PM in Room 107 Carolyn Beatty leads an in-depth Bible study on John. This group generates lively discussions and cares for one another. Contact: Judy Romine at 952.929.4973.

CIRCLES

Circles combine fellowship, learning, and service in a small group setting. They consist primarily of women over 50; new members always welcome. Esther Circle Saturday, November 8 at 9:30AM in the Parlor; meets 2nd Saturdays

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Women of CPC are welcome to join us for fellowship and a study on Elijah. Contact: Norma Jean Barr at 952.831.2642. Martha Circle Wednesday, November 19 at 10:00AM in the Parlor; meets 3rd Wednesdays We will collect Christmas gifts for the Santa Shop at Cornerstone and learn more about their ministry. We will then attend the Mid-Month Chapel Service at 12:00PM and enjoy lunch in the Fireside Room. Contact: Pat Haberkorn at 952.941.4188. Lydia Circle Saturday, November 22 at 11:30AM in the Great Room; meets 4th Saturdays We will meet for lunch in the Great Room during the Holiday Boutique. Contact: Ellen Hastings at 952.896.0066. Ruth Circle Meets every Wednesday at 9:30AM On the first and third Wednesdays, we meet in a home for food, fellowship, devotions, and prayers. On the other Wednesdays, we serve at Feed My Starving Children and at CPC. Contact: Barb Bucha at 952.470.4414.

CARE GRIEF RECOVERY

Tuesday, November 11 from 6:00-8:30PM in the Parlor; meets 2nd Tuesdays Grief Recovery is for those who have lost a loved one. We experience God’s hope and healing through fellowship, prayer, and sharing a meal. CPC member Lynn Widmoyer is the November speaker. Contact: Debbie Manning at x275; debbiem@cpconline.org.

ALZHEIMER’S EDUCATION SERIES

Thursday, November 13 from 6:308:00PM in the Fireside Room; meets 2nd Thursdays through March A series for care partners and those with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. In November, Sara Tucker from Alzheimer’s Association MN-ND facilitates “Early Stage Panel: Care Partners, Individuals Living with Early Dementia, and Adult Children.” No registration needed. Contact: Mary Allen at x243; marya@cpconline.org. CPC LIFE

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PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

Friday, November 14 from 10:00AM12:00PM in the Parlor; usually meets 2nd Fridays & 4th Saturdays Our mission is to prayerfully knit or crochet shawls with the hope of being vessels for God’s presence and comfort. No knitting experience needed; all are welcome. Coaching and materials can be provided. Contact: Pat Johnson at 952.947.0734.

ABUNDANTLY SATISFIED: WEIGHT CARE GROUP

Sundays, November 2 & 16 from 9:30-10:30AM in Room 203; meets 1st & 3rd Sundays We support each other with weight issues that keep us from experiencing the abundant life God wants for us. No weigh-ins; lots of grace and support! Contact: Sandy Radeke at 952.452.1205; sandy_radeke@earthlink.net.

GRACE & HOPE FOR OUR CHILDREN

Tuesday, November 18 from 7:008:30PM in the Parlor; 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 sharing time and occasional guest speakers. In November, Gayle Godfrey, nurse manager, speaks on Health Partner’s “Make It OK” campaign, encouraging others to talk openly about mental health. Contact: Doug Brown at 612.839.9992; dbrown@dcbrowninc.com.

MISSIONS EL SALVADOR GO! TRIP INFORMATION SESSION

Sunday, November 9 at 12:00PM in the Parlor. Trip Dates: June 13-21, 2015 Come to the El Salvador GO! Trip info NOVEMBER 2014

session to learn about Habitat’s work for positive change in the world. While in El Salvador, learn about poverty housing and development challenges while experiencing the community’s culture, language, and social practices. Work alongside homeowners and volunteers of all backgrounds, races, and religions. Trip leader is Ross Robinson. Contact: Eli Mansfield at x311; elizabethm@ cpconline.org.

JOY OF GIVING: CHRISTMAS STORE

BEGINNING AGAIN

Saturday, November 15 from 9:0011:00AM in the Fireside Room Beginning Again is CPC’s support group for those dealing with the practical issues that follow the death of a spouse. Join the group for breakfast and fellowship. Cost: $10. Register: Mary Allen x243; marya@ cpconline.org.

MINISTRY PROGRAMMING | 2014 NOVEMBER ISSUE

CPC LIFE

Gift selection: November 15/16 & 22/23 Event: Saturday, December 13 This year, in lieu of Adopt-A-Family, CPC partners with the Plymouth Christian Youth Center in North Minneapolis. We need over 5,000 gifts in the $7-$10 range and over 300 volunteers to help 1,000 youth shop for their loved ones. Volunteers are needed prior to the event to donate money for gift cards, contribute toys and gifts, sell tickets, sort items, and set up the store the week of December 8-12. Day-of volunteers will escort children, help with the selection of gifts, and run the cash register. Learn more: cpconline.org/ joyofgiving. Register: pcyc-mpls.org. Contact: Dee McIntosh at x214; doneilam@cpconline.org.

FAMILIES MOVING FORWARD

Sunday-Sunday, November 23-30 Through Families Moving Forward, CPC provides overnight shelter and support to families experiencing homelessness. Volunteer to provide and serve meals, coordinate evening activities, be an overnight host, launder linens, or set up/clean up at: cpconline.org/register. Contact: Jeff Shusta at 415.305.3181; jashusta@yahoo.com.

THANKSGIVING HARVEST UPDATE

This year at Thanksgiving, we’ll provide gift cards in lieu of grocery bags. To donate toward this effort, write “Thanksgiving Meals” in your check memo line and send to CPC or place in the offering plate during November. This spring, we’ll launch a new effort to help alleviate food poverty in a sustainable way, so watch for more information!

LIVE NATIVITY: ACTORS NEEDED!

December 20 from 6:00-8:00PM; Sunday, December 21 from 10:30AM-1:00PM Be part of CPC’s third Live Nativity to bring the first Christmas to life! Sign up for cast and support roles in the Great Room or at cpconline.org/register. Contact: Debbie Ducar at x226; debbied@cpconline.org.

KIDS WEEKEND PROGRAMS

Saturday 5:15PM; Sunday 9:30AM, 11:00AM, & 5:00PM services During weekend services, we minister to children (6 weeks through 6th grade) and families by engaging kids in their relationship with Jesus. Register: cpconline.org/ register. Contact: Tammy Mitchell at x216; tammym@cpconline.org.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT PROGRAMS

Wednesdays, November 5-19 from 6:00-7:30PM (no programming on November 26) 1st-5th grade Wednesday night programming is an opportunity for kids to learn more about God and live out their faith through music, friendship, reading the Bible, and connection with leaders. Register: cpconline.org/register. Contact: Sara Lightbody at x203; saral@ cpconline.org.

FALL FAM JAM FOR PRESCHOOLERS AND FAMILIES

Saturday, November 8 from 9:0010:45AM in the Multi-Purpose Room Join us for a morning of crafts, cookie decorating, face painting, and air jumping! No cost. Register: Martha North at marthan@cpconline.org.

STUDENTS MOSAIC WORSHIP SERVICE

Sunday, November 16 at 12:30PM in the Sanctuary Mosaic is a worship service for kids and students with special needs and their families. Noises, sounds, and movements are welcome! Followed by a light lunch. Contact: Kari Dubord x261; karid@cpconline.org.

2014 NOVEMBER ISSUE | MINISTRY PROGRAMMING

MIDDLE SCHOOL

MIDDLE SCHOOL SMALL GROUP REGISTRATION

All 6th–8th graders must register in order to participate in Elevate or Engage programs and small groups. Parents may register their student at cpconline.org/ register. Contact Erin Hettinger at x305; erinh@cpconline.org.

ELEVATE AND ENGAGE

Wednesdays, November 5-19 from 6:15-7:30PM (no programming on November 26) A night of fun, large-group learning, and small-group discussion for 6th-8th graders. Please make sure your student is registered if they plan to attend this year. Contact for 6th-7th grade Elevate: Van Chounlamountry at x306; vanc@ cpconline.org. Contact for 8th grade Engage: Lexi Soldo at x279; lexis@ cpconline.org.

HIGH SCHOOL

HSM HOUSE GROUP REGISTRATION

All 9th-12th graders must register for HSM. This is a change from previous years. Please register so that we have accurate and up-to-date contact information for your student and family. Parents may register their student(s) at cpconline.org/register. Contact: Erin Hettinger at x305; erinh@cpconline.org.

FRESHMEN PARENT OPEN HOUSE

Wednesday, November 5 from 8:008:30PM Parents of freshmen are invited to the house where their sons and daughters attend House Groups. A detailed email with locations and directions has been emailed to registered students’ parents.

HSM HOUSE GROUPS

Wednesdays, November 5-19 from 8:00-9:15 (no programming on November 26) All House Groups meet in area homes. Contact Brooke Toftoy at x286; brooket@cpconline.org with questions.

COLLEGE

SEEKING 2015 COLLEGE INTERNS

Applications now available; applications due Monday, December 15 CPC is looking for a team of 12 college

students to serve the kids and students of our church from May 26 to July 30, 2015. Find applications and information at cpconline.org/summerinterns. Applicants must have completed one year of college or post-high school employment. Interviews are held over Christmas break.

THE TABLE PSALM 23 STUDY

Mondays, November 3-24 from 7:009:00PM at Steph Spencer’s house Come together to dig into Psalm 23. What does this well-known Psalm show us about the character of God? What does it look like to follow Him as our shepherd? This is a great opportunity for those new to The Table who want to get connected, those who want to try out being in a small group, and those who want to spend some extra time digging into God’s Word. RSVP: Steph Spencer at 608.345.8450; stephanies@ cpconline.org.

SPECIAL DECEMBER EVENTS CANDLELIGHT MEMORIAL SERVICE

Tuesday, December 2 at 7:00PM in the Sanctuary Begin Advent with a time to honor those you have lost over the years and set our hearts on the coming Messiah. Dessert follows in the Great Room.

EDYNAMOES

Wednesday, December 3 at 11:30AM in the Fellowship Hall Celebrate this blessed time with a savory Christmas feast and poignant program, “Christmas in Bethlehem.” Reverend Brian Bopp will reenact the experiences of four eyewitnesses to the Nativity story. Cost: $5. Register by December 1: Judy Romine at 952.929.4983. Please bring Jerry’s cash receipts, can tabs, and Campbell’s labels.

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project. No cost. Register by December 1: cpconline.org/register. Contact: Tammy Mitchell at x216; tammym@cpconline.org.

WOMEN’S CHRISTMAS BRUNCH

Saturday, December 6 at 9:00AM in the Fellowship Hall Dee McIntosh, Associate Pastor of Missional Community Engagement, shares Life Among the Ruins: A Personal Encounter with Christ. Kathy Nielson, former CPC Missions intern, shares her faith story. Cost: $12. Register: cpconline.org/register. Contact: Deb Carlson at x316; debc@cpconline.org.

NESTERS: CPC’S ACTIVE RETIREMENT AGE COMMUNITY

Saturday, December 6 at 6:30PM in Fellowship Hall Enjoy a lovely Christmas dinner and a performance by BRAVA!, the Twin Cities premier women’s choral ensemble. Cost: $15 per person. Register/pay by December 3: Mary Allen at x243; marya@cpconline.org.

ADVENT/CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

Due in the office by Monday, December 8 To donate toward CPC’s beautiful poinsettias and greens in memory of or in honor of someone, fill out a form located in the CPC office, at the Welcome Center, or at cpconline.org. Cost: $15/plant.

STUDENT MINISTRIES ADVENT SERVICE

Wednesday, December 17 from 6:007:15PM This is a great opportunity for the entire family to come together to worship, be in community, and prepare our hearts for Christmas.

FAMILY ADVENT CELEBRATION

Friday, December 5 at 6:30PM in the Sanctuary Focus on the essence of Christmas as we begin the season of Advent. Enjoy worship, cookie decorating, and an ornament craft CPC LIFE

NOVEMBER 2014

Beautiful fall blooms in the Memorial Prayer Garden.

CPC kids learning about Jesus on Sunday mornings.

Working to advance the common good at the Q Commons Conference at CPC.

A bustling Great Room after Sunday morning services.

I N O U R F A M I LY

In Our

Family CONGRATULATIONS TO:

Christie Rose Sperry and Christopher John York, who were married September 20 in Dana Point, California. Rachel Elizabeth Janssen and Ryan Thomas Lindsey, who were married on October 3. Pastor Brad Jackson officiated. Jamie and Clayton Conroy on the birth of their daughter, Kelly Adeline on October 7.

RECENTLY HOSPITALIZED: Jessica Whitefield Harrie Shearer Dick Robinson Don Madsen Pat VanderWall Deb Loots

STAFF TRANSITIONS:

Becky Bormann becomes Associate Director of Early Childhood in Kids’ Ministries.

Mary and John March on the birth of Luke David on October 7. Grandparents are John and Sallie March.

FINANCIAL UPDATE:

Lindsay Anne Stang and Todd Campbell Johnson, who were married on October 11. The Rev. Dr. John Crosby officiated.

Ministry Offering Budget: $1,263,605.53 Actual Offering: $1,142,383.10 Variance: ($121,222.43) September Mission Focus (Daystar): $5,243.76 YTD Mission Focus Total: $25,435.65

SYMPATHY TO:

Family and friends of Erna Bachtold, who passed away on September 28 at age 98. Mary Ogata on the passing of her husband, The Rev. Dan Ogata, on September 29. Rev. Ogata left his position as CPC’s Associate Pastor in 1973.

June 1-September 30, 2014

Expenses are under budget year-to-date.

Mark Anderson and Karen Baumberger on the passing of Mark’s mother, Alice Anderson, on October 11.

Friends chatting at the Mid-Month Chapel Luncheon.

CPC LIFE

NOVEMBER 2014

of the

MIND

DEVOTIONAL

Books, music, quotes, apps, art, videos, websites, people, places, & things that get us to think about God in new & exciting ways.

“Imagining God can be so different from wishful thinking, if your spiritual experiences change your behavior over time. Have you become more generous, which is the ultimate healing? Or more patient, which is a close second? Did your world become bigger and juicier and more tender? Have you become ever so slightly kinder to yourself? This is how you tell.”

ANNE LAMOTT, AUTHOR

When we understand the blessings God has bestowed upon us, we desire to become a more generous people with our time, talents, and treasure. Use this little book to praise God as we begin this season of thanksgiving.

“Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this Godcreated identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.”

- Luke 6:35-36 (The Message)

Continue learning about better ways to engage with those in need by reading When Helping Hurts. Read more about this topic from Dee McIntosh, Associate Pastor of Missional Community Engagement, on page 3.

NOVEMBER 2014

CPC LIFE

OPPORTUNITY INTERNATIONAL—a mission partner of CPC—works to break the cycle of global poverty through microfinance loans. A great way to replace poverty with entrepreneurial sustainability!

STAFF SPOTLIGHT:

Patti Kratzer Patti serves as Ministries Coordinator for The Table. She has been on staff at CPC since March 2005.

Q You joined The Table team at its start in 2009. What do you love about your role?

I love being part of planning a worship service. On Sunday afternoons, you’ll see me pushing kneelers around and roping off pews. It’s not glamorous or fun, but around four o’clock, I get so excited because soon everything will come together in worship. But I must say that when I get home at night, my feet hurt! I also really value working with the creative, talented people on our team. I’ve always loved working with big-picture visionaries, and I’ve got the administrative gifts to support them. I always say to my team, “If my work helps you and brings you joy, I’m so happy to do it.”

Q What brought you to CPC 20 years ago?

When I was twelve, my mom got involved in a Catholic Charismatic group and took me to a David Wilkerson [founder of Teen Challenge] crusade. I became a believer at the crusade and my faith has grown ever since. CPC was recommended to us when my oldest was a baby, and we loved it. I soon joined Crosswalk—a former ministry for moms with young children—and formed a prayer group. Twelve years later, our prayer group, Jesus Gals, still meets every other week.

Q Tell us about your Jesus Gals prayer group.

We start our prayer time with worshiping God—when we acknowledge God’s power, strength, and faithfulness, it changes how we look at our problems. I’ve also learned that when I’m in the middle of something really hard, it’s hard for me to fully trust God. But when someone I care about is in the middle of something difficult, it’s easier for me to have faith for her. So we all help carry one another in the hard times, which is a really special gift. Over these last few years, I’ve learned that God is so faithful. He has changed me. For a long time I would say, “I wish my circumstances would change.” But now I hear God speaking to my mind and heart, telling me, “Life is good right here and right now. I’m here.”

FAST FACTS ABOUT PATTI

Hometown: Bloomington, MN Family: husband, Wayne; sons, Sam (21) & Joe (15) Hobbies: reading mysteries; talking with friends over coffee

Guilty Pleasures: watching the TV show 24 Book everyone should read: Surrender to Love: Discovering the Heart of Christian Spirituality by David Benner Bucket List: a trip to France C P CC P L ICF L E I F E| | N SE OP VE TE MM BB EE R R2 02 10 41 3

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with special needs and their families) Wednesday, November 19 at 12:00PM | Mid-Month Chapel Service

In the Book of John, Jesus says, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it in abundance.” In this series, we celebrate God’s generous provisions of life, grace, generosity, and hope. And we praise God that from these gifts, we have the freedom to share His provisions abundantly with others.

Family Advent Celebration Friday, December 5 at 6:30PM crafts | cookie decorating | worship cpconline.org/register

Joy of Giving: Christmas Store Saturday, December 13 Bring joy to children in need! More than 300 volunteer opportunities. cpconline.org/joyofgiving

Women’s Christmas Brunch Saturday, December 6 at 9:00AM Dee McIntosh, Associate Pastor, shares Life Among the Ruins: A Personal Encounter with Christ. $12 | cpconline.org/register