CPC Life Advent 2020 by Christ Presbyterian Church

ADVENT 2020

Waiting for Rescue

re you very good at waiting? I’m not. One of the by-products of our COVID world is that shipping times have been delayed, and boy, when you’re used to getting things in forty-eight hours, an extra day or two feels like an eternity! Of course, waiting on a package to show up is quite trivial in the midst of what many are experiencing and waiting for in our world today, but it is a small reminder that waiting is part of life. In ancient Israel, God’s people were waiting on a rescuer. Their waiting was not passive, wishful thinking; it was active, prayerful, engaged waiting that helped them imagine the difference their rescuer would bring. Advent is the stretch of weeks leading up to Christmas, marked out on the historic church calendar to remind us this time is different. This is waiting time. And this Advent season, we want to take a slow journey through the story the Gospel of Luke tells of the way people actively waited for the rescuer. In our “Journey to the Manger” series, we’ll discover the way Jesus fulfills our longings, meets us in our hopes and hurts, and becomes the ultimate gift for our weary, waiting world.

We come back to Advent and Christmas every year to remind us that while our waiting ebbs and flows, Jesus is always near, calling us to actively engage with Him in the ups and downs of life. We come back to Advent and Christmas each year to remind us that while our waiting ebbs and flows, Jesus is always near, calling us to actively engage with Him in the ups and downs of life. I hope that this Christmas season is a refreshing reminder that Jesus alone is our hope, and that He has never been closer. May His joy and peace meet you right where you are.

P E T E Y C R O W D E R serves as SENIOR PASTOR

2020

Advent Devotions One Advent tradition practiced at CPC, and by Christians around the world, is the lighting of an Advent wreath. The wreath contains four candles, one for each Sunday of Advent. This devotional is designed to be used alongside the lighting of the Advent wreath. We encourage you to read the Bible passages, reflections, and prayers aloud with your household, and listen to the Christmas carols for a holy time at home each Sabbath. Don’t have an Advent wreath? Make your own at home by setting up four candles in a circle and decorating with whatever festive decorations you have on hand.

WEEK 1 • BELIEVE LIGHT THE FIRST CANDLE • READ: LUKE 1:5-20 REFLECT: The first verses of Luke introduce us to a couple who have known waiting and the struggle to believe amidst deep longing. Although Elizabeth and Zechariah are described as righteous, they’ve likely faced many tearful nights and sideways glances as year after year passed without the one thing their culture would have understood as proof of God’s favor upon them: a child. When the angel announces this good news to Zechariah, his struggle to believe is, on the one hand, surprising: shouldn’t he of all people—a priest, someone in “ministry”—be the most ready to embrace what God is up to? On the other hand, we’ve all had experiences where an invitation from God feels difficult Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, to accept. We’ve gotten used to disappointment; we don’t want because he has visited and to get our hopes up; we only see the obstacles.

redeemed his people. He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David, just as he promised through his holy prophets long ago.

This seems to be where Zechariah is: struggling to believe, wrestling with doubt, and rendered literally speechless. While it’s easy for us to think that this silence is a punishment for Zechariah’s doubt, what if we imagined it as a gift or a hidden blessing in the midst of his struggle to believe? Unable to voice his doubts aloud to others, Zechariah’s silence gives him the opportunity to rest in God’s promises in a new way. And nine months later, when his tongue is loosed alongside his infant son’s cries, his doubting becomes a song of praise.

-LUKE 1:68-70

Perhaps the journey from doubt to belief in our own lives is paved with not filling our minds and mouths with our own words but with returning and resting in God’s promises to us— even while we wait.

LISTEN to one of these Advent carols that point to the belief in the coming Savior: “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”

PRAY: Lord, we pray that you will replace our doubt with a longing for your presence and a belief in your promises. We know that your Word is true. When the world bombards us with uncertainty, may your Holy Spirit strengthen our belief. Keep our eyes on the promised One, Jesus. Amen. CPC LIFE

ADVENT 2020

WEEK 2 • TRUST LIGHT THE FIRST AND SECOND CANDLES • READ: LUKE 1:26-45 REFLECT: In this passage, we find Mary in a position in which she has everything to lose. The angel Gabriel has informed Mary that she is pregnant and is going to have a child, despite the reality that Mary is an unmarried woman. This scenario would have been highly scandalous in the time when Mary lived and jeopardized her standing with her fiancé and in her family and community. Yet Mary responds to Gabriel saying, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” The only support Mary had as she stepped into potential social and familial disgrace was her confidence and trust in the Lord above all else. This type of all-in, confident trust that Mary models for us is And Mary said, “Behold, I am the at the heart of the gospel. Indeed, the Greek word for “faith,” which is pistis, does not so much mean “belief in the right servant of the Lord; let it be to me doctrines” or “spirituality,” so much as it means trust. The according to your word.” ways we put our trust in the Lord are the greatest indicators -LUKE 1:38 of the strength of our faith. In our world, it is easy for us to look to our bank accounts, health, families, and jobs as sources of security and safety. But what Mary shows us is that our true and only hope comes when we trust—body and soul—in the Lord.

LISTEN to one of these carols, and reflect on Mary’s journey: “Mary, Did You Know?” “Breath of Heaven”

PRAY: Heavenly Father, we pray that we may be a part of your Kingdom here on earth, trusting in your promises. Help us to open our hands and hearts to your will, emboldening our faith to be more than mere words. May we trust deeply in who you are and the hope we have in you.

WEEK 3 • PRAISE LIGHT THE FIRST, SECOND, AND THIRD CANDLES • READ: LUKE 1:46-55 REFLECT: A few days after she hears from the angel, Mary leaves to visit her relative Elizabeth, who is also expecting a child. We can guess that Mary might have been wondering if the angel’s visit had been real, or she “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! might have been simply overwhelmed at the magnitude of what was before her. But as the child within Elizabeth leaps at For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, Mary’s voice and Elizabeth acknowledges her as “the mother and from now on all generations will of my Lord,” Mary responds with joyous words of praise.

call me blessed. For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me.”

As we read through this passage, Mary’s praise resonates with God’s faithfulness. Her words reveal that she recognizes and understands how God works. When she acknowledges that God is using her, “a lowly servant girl,” she shows that God uses the small and weak to bring about His strength and glory. He is a champion to the

ADVENT 2020

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-LUKE 1:46-49 (NLT)

poor, the oppressed, the despised. That He would choose her as a vessel of His grace overwhelms her. Mary was able to praise God amidst her hard and surprising circumstances because she knew and trusted that God was in charge of the outcome. As we encounter our own unexpected circumstances, may we, too, respond in joyous praise for a God who chooses the weak and helpless to fulfill His purposes. For God blesses us with a gift that transforms us: the gift of Jesus.

LISTEN to these carols of jubilant praise for what God has done and the coming of the Christ Child: “Angels We Have Heard on High” “Joy to the World”

PRAY: Lord, we praise you for your love—for how deep, wide, and unchanging it is. We praise you for your faithfulness and for your mercies, which are new every morning. You know us all intimately; you call us your beloved. Thank you for the gift of Jesus and the life we find in Him.

WEEK 4 • PREPARE LIGHT ALL FOUR CANDLES • READ: LUKE 1:57-80 REFLECT:

At the end of Luke, the arrival of Zechariah and Elizabeth’s son occurs. As Zechariah writes His name is John, his tongue is loosed and he responds with praise. He also recognizes that God had a specific purpose for John: to “go before the Lord to prepare his ways.” Are you prepared for Jesus? As we get ready for Christmas, it might feel that way. Trees are decorated, lights are strung. Nativity sets and advent wreaths are on display. Presents are bought and wrapped, food is made, and carols are sung. A lot of energy is spent on the outward trimmings; less often do we “And you, child, will be called the prepare our hearts in the same manner. prophet of the Most High; for you will

In Zechariah’s prophecy, we see his expectation that go before the Lord to prepare his ways, God will come and rescue him. In those words we see to give knowledge of salvation to his the honesty of his need for a Savior and his belief in people in the forgiveness of their sins.” the surety of God’s promises. Zechariah emerges from -LUKE 1:76-77 his silence with a proclamation of the preparation work that John would do and beautifully prophesizes: “Because of God’s tender mercy, the light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and . . . to guide us to the path of peace” (v.78-79, NLT). May the preparation of our own hearts this Christmas bring both a recognition of our need for Jesus and an outpouring of love that compels us to share the wonders of His grace with others.

LISTEN to these carols that prepare our hearts to welcome Jesus, knowing how He was born so that we might find forgiveness and salvation through His death and resurrection. “I Wonder as I Wander” “In the Bleak Midwinter”

PRAY: Loving Father, prepare our hearts for the gift of Jesus, your Son who came to earth to set us free from sin. Help us to recognize our great need for Him. May our words and our actions point to Jesus, the Hope of the world. CPC LIFE

ADVENT 2020

CHRISTMAS OFFERING 2020

Urban Ventures and the Launch of the Cornwell Early Learning Center Urban Ventures has one bold goal: to break the cycle of poverty by sending every child in their neighborhood to college. But for families in South Minneapolis, 2020 has been tough. A global pandemic has squeezed families already trying to make ends meet. Layered onto this are the challenges of distance learning, racial injustice, and destruction along Lake Street. The pain has been felt socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. This year, when unrest brought violence and destruction to the neighborhood where Urban Ventures has served for more than 25 years, Urban Ventures stepped up in powerful ways:

• Organizing clean-up efforts • Distributing small-business grants to affected businesses on Lake Street • Distributing an additional 4,000 pounds of food from their farm and $500,000 worth of supplies for short-term relief

• Transforming their gym into distance-learning center ADVENT 2020

CPC LIFE

But 2020 also made Urban Venture’s long-term vision more urgent than ever. Fueled by the conviction that education is the brightest hope for breaking the cycle of generational poverty, Urban Ventures has created a holistic cradle-to-career pipeline of support for kids and their families. And a vital first step in that is ensuring kids get the quality education they need in the crucial early years.

That’s why every dollar of this year’s Christmas offering will go to support Urban Ventures in the launch of the new Cornwell Early Learning Center. Urban Ventures has identified that only one in five kids in their community is kindergarten ready—they’re behind even before they start. The Early Learning Center is a critical intervention that will meet kids in the crucial early years, providing 80 preschoolers each year with quality early learning experiences and parental support to make sure they enter school ready to succeed.

This Christmas, support the mission of Urban Ventures, and bring hope and an investment in the future for our neighbors in South Minneapolis. TO GIVE: • make checks payable to CPC and write “Christmas Offering” in the memo line. Mail to: 6901 Normandale Road, Edina, MN 55435 • give online at cpconline.org/christmas-offering

Help launch Urban Ventures' Early Learning Center with Family Welcome Kits! • Visit cpconline.org/joy-of-giving for instructions and to choose an age group for your welcome kit: infant, toddler, or preschool.

• Shop for your items—feel free to do this as an individual, family, or small group!

• Drop off your packaged, unsealed kit at CPC in the Great Room, Commons, or North Entrance anytime during business hours or services December 13-24.

FAITH STORY

Calvin Lucas

grew up Lutheran and did all the things—First Communion and Confirmation, Sunday school, Bible camp—but I don’t think that it ever really sunk in. I would have identified myself as a Christian, and maybe the seed was being planted, but it hadn’t started to grow. I didn’t explore my faith much in college either, but one of my roommates had a faith that wasn’t just a part of him, it was who he was through and through. It made me begin to ask, “What’s different about his faith? What does he have that I don’t have?” After college I joined Alpha, which was described as “a Bible study for people who don’t know the Bible.” I was interested because I’d been too intimidated to try Bible studies before, feeling like it was a place for people who knew way more than I did. Alpha was a starting point of really exploring my faith. Then in 2007, I had a really tough year. I was living by myself for the first time. I wasn’t happy at work, my relationship ended, and there were tough family changes. I felt really alone and low. One day it became too much and I started crying. I felt like Jacob when he’s wrestling with God. I was struggling to figure out what a relationship with God looked like, especially when I was upset and felt forgotten. That year I learned that other things in life can fall away and fail you, but God is still there. During that year, I would light a candle when I went to bed to represent God’s physical presence with me through the night. I was drawing away from God because I was mad and sad, but I also wanted God to draw near to me. It was almost an act of defiance, like, “I don’t want to talk to you, but I need you here with me still.” A pivotal moment for me was reading Romans 8:26, which talks about the Holy Spirit interceding for us when we don’t have the words to pray. It was revelatory to me because before that, I thought if I didn’t say my prayer right, then it wasn’t any good. That verse gave me a new perspective. I learned to let go of trying to deliver the perfect prayer and just talk to God and say, “Hey, God, I don’t know what I need right now, I’m confused, help me through it.” Or I could let the Holy

ADVENT 2020

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Spirit pray on my behalf when I didn’t know what to say or felt too disheartened to pray. I’d never really dug into the Bible beyond attending church, but I wanted to get to know Jesus more, so I joined Bible Study Fellowship. That’s where I met my wife, Nora, and we started attending church together. A few years after we got married, we felt we were missing out on a sense of connection at our current church and wanted to find a place with more challenging messages. At CPC we found that we’d talk about the sermons we heard on Sundays all week, which was new and cool for us. We found a small group at CPC, too, and it felt great to have that community of believers. For so long I’ve defined my faith journey in the context of that hard year. It was a transformational time for me. But I’ve realized I can’t define my life and my faith only by the time I spent in the valley. I think that in those hard times, I really learned who God was and to put my trust in His promises. Now that that season has passed, it’s easy to forget about the awesomeness of God and to think I don’t need God as much as I did before. Worship, my small group, the class with Pastor James, Christian music, reading the Bible on my own, and prayer remind me of my need for God and His neverchanging character and promises. When we’re new or weak in our faith, I think we need God to be the one who comes near to us. But in this season of my faith journey, I’m learning to better understand that the movement isn’t just on God’s side. If I want God to speak to me, it helps if I put myself in a place where I can hear Him. God doesn’t ask me to do all the work by myself, but I do have to show up. Some of faith is doing these practices over and over again—building muscle memory. Maintaining those practices, even during the times that feel like plateaus in my faith walk, help keep my heart and mind in a place where the Spirit can enter in, so that Jesus stays a big part of my life, and I’m reminded of my unique identity as a child of God.

C A L V I N L U C A S serves as a D E A C O N .

Christmas Eve Services

Join us as we celebrate the Promised One, the Prince of Peace!

Tuesday, December 22

KIDS’ CHRISTMAS • 6:00PM • IN PERSON AND ONLINE

Families, come be a part of our Kids’ Christmas service! All kids are invited to come dressed as a shepherd, angel, or wise man and will have an opportunity to engage with the cast as they act out the story of Christmas.

Wednesday, December 23

TRADITIONAL SERVICE • 4:00PM • IN PERSON AND ONLINE* This service features instruments, carols, Scripture, and a meditation by Pastor Petey Crowder.

CONTEMPORARY SERVICE • 7:00PM • IN PERSON AND ONLINE* This service features music by the contemporary worship team and a meditation by Pastor Petey Crowder.

Thursday, December 24

These services will be identical to the services held December 23. Online worship is available all day by viewing our livestreamed services.

CONTEMPORARY SERVICE • 4:00PM • IN PERSON* TRADITIONAL SERVICE • 7:00PM • IN PERSON CONTEMPORARY SERVICE • 11:00PM • IN PERSON *Childcare is offered at this service for ages 6 months-PreK. To attend in person, you must RSVP at cpconline.org/christmas-eve. Registration opens November 30 at 10:00AM. You will need to print your confirmation or show it on your phone upon arrival. We are committed to creating a safe and healthy atmosphere for those worshiping with us. Please know that the schedule for Christmas Eve services may change due to COVID-19. For the most up-to-date information, visit cpconline.org.

CHRISTMAS at Pathway Books

WAY PATH S: HOUR sday: -Thur y a d Mon :00PM AM-3 0 0 : 0 1 ay: Sund :30PM M-12 A 0 3 : 8

Ready to start your Christmas shopping? Pathway Bookstore would love to help! We strive to provide quality resources to make your Christmas celebrations meaningful for you and your family. To that end, we have wonderful, Christcentered Advent devotionals to nurture your heart this season. We also carry: · nativity sets and ornaments · Advent calendars · boxed Christmas cards

· children’s Christmas books · holiday puzzles · stocking stuffers

And, as always, we have many Bibles, books, Bible studies, and gift items! We want to ensure a safe shopping environment for you. We can welcome up to three masked guests at a time; if coming inside is not an option for you, please contact us at 952.848.0564 so we can assist with a phone purchase and arrange curbside delivery.

For Advent, Pathway recommends: Keep Watch With Me: An Advent Reader for Peacemakers by Claire Brown and Michael T. McRay This Advent reader is a collaborative work of daily reflections written by a diverse group of contributors that include activists, clergy, authors, and organizers. As the church prepares for the birth of Christ, it is a season that reckons with our need and the needs of the world. Through stories, reflections, prayers, and spiritual practices, Keep Watch With Me offers the means to sustain and challenge the faith of those who seek justice and peace and long for the coming of God with us. Come Let us Adore Him: A Daily Advent Devotional by Paul David Tripp This is a fantastic devotional to use for personal reflection, as well as one to read with children (elementary to teens). Each day includes a reflection written by the author, Scripture suggestions for further study, and a “for parents and children” section, which details the central theme of the day and provides a short paragraph with suggestions on talking points for parents and kids.

S TA FF SP OT LIGH T N ATA LIE RINGH A M FAMILY: dad Bill, mom Christine, brother Nathaniel HOBBIES: going on walks with new puppy Minne, creative outlets like knitting and scrapbooking FAVORITE BOOK RIGHT NOW: Rhythms of Renewal by Rebekah Lyons GUILTY PLEASURE: Netflix Christmas movies FAVORITE CHRISTMAS CAROL: Slient Night

PC is where I found my community and my faith. I was baptized here, confirmed here, and did a summer internship here. When the Student Ministries Coordinator position was posted this summer, I just felt called to come back to this community again and use my degree in Event Management to serve students and coordinate camps and programs. Like so many, I am definitely in a season of waiting and upheaval. I’m transitioning from college into true adulthood, and it can make me anxious and sort of panicky. This is the first time in life where there aren’t expectations of where I go next. I’m a planner, and every plan I’ve made in the last eight months hasn’t been able to happen. It’s been really defeating. But at the same time, I have been learning a lot of patience and how to let go of my need to have a plan. I’ve never experienced the kind of trust this requires before. I’ve been finding the maturity and gaining the spiritual development to hear where the Lord’s calling me for the first time in my life. I’ve learned that I can’t plan out my future, that I need to let go of my timeline, and in this season of waiting for a new start, I can live in a way that is actually so glorifying to the Lord. Lately, Jesus has been nudging me to be more open to change and saying yes to things that might be out of my comfort zone. I don’t have to stick to my to-do list, and I can choose in the moment to make memories and be a part of a community. Being in a community that fosters faith and conversations about faith has been huge for me lately,

helping me find my purpose, giving me encouragement, and keeping me from being just stuck in a rut alone. It can feel like the weight of this world is held on all of our shoulders right now. I’m the first to admit that every little thing stresses me out. But if I choose to have Jesus matter most, I can start to change my perspective and let Him carry the weight for me. Devotions, journaling, praying, and reading really help me take this choice into my daily life. Having Jesus be at the center of my days helps my rhythms, gets me out of my head, and lifts the stress off of me. I’m realizing I can let Jesus hold the heaviness of what’s happening in our world and society. I can choose to love people, even when we disagree. I can let Jesus work through and speak into the decisions I make daily if I’m letting Him matter most over anything else in my life. Jesus already won and died for all of our sins. All we have to do is ask for forgiveness and love others. In the season I’m in, a lot of friends have actually been asking me recently, “Why Jesus?” And I can confidently answer, “Because He saves.” Nothing else in our life has to matter if Jesus matters most.

N A T A L I E R I N G H A M serves as STUDENT MINISTRIES COORDIN ATOR .

CPC LIFE

ADVENT 2020

HAPPENINGS DUE TO COVID-19, IN-PERSON GATHERINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

EVENTS CANDLELIGHT MEMORIAL SERVICE

Tuesday, December 1 •7:00PM • In Person and Online Begin Advent with a time to honor loved ones you have lost over the years and set your hearts on the coming Messiah. Online registrants may pick up an ornament and prayer card between November 16-December 1 outside of the CPC office during building hours. Register to attend in person or online at: cpconline.org/events

CLUB: SPRING 2021

Wednesdays starting January 20 • 5:00-6:30PM Be a part of Club this spring as we “Join God’s Story” every Wednesday. We will learn about a new character in the Bible each week as we engage with their story through games, songs, and crafts. Registration opens December 1. Sign up: cpconline.org/kids

STUDENTS

PARENT DISCUSSION HOUR

Wednesday, December 2 • 8:00PM • Zoom The Student Ministries team is offering Zoom discussions for parents of 6th-12th graders to spend time discussing relevant topics to our teens and families today. In December, we’ll gather to discuss the Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma and what it looks like to encourage students to develop healthy boundaries with their phones. Sign up: cpconline.org/events

MIDDLE SCHOOL SIX8

Wednesdays, December 2, 9, & 16 • 6:30-7:30PM Small group focused, engaging program for 6th-8th grade students. Please make sure your student is registered. cpconline.org/six8 brooksw@cpconline.org

HIGH SCHOOL

VIRTUAL CHRISTMAS CAROL SING-ALONG

Tuesday, December 15 • 7:00-7:30PM Kids, parents, grandparents, singles, couples, . . . everyone is invited to join the CPC Choir Leadership Team for a fun night of Christmas carol singing online. Wear your jammies (if you want), settle yourself in a comfy chair, and get ready to sing some of the Christmas classics. BONUS TIME: an extra 15 minutes at the end for those who want to stay for more! Sign up: cpconline.org/events

COMMITMENT CLASS

Sundays, December 6, 13, & 20 • 6:30-8:00PM • Sanctuary A night of fun, large-group, socially distanced learning and small-group discussion for 9th graders. Please make sure your student is registered. cpconline.org/cc andraj@cpconline.org or vanc@cpconline.org

TEN12

KIDS KIDS’ CHRISTMAS

Tuesday, December 22 • 6:00PM • Sanctuary Come be a part of our Kids’ Christmas service. All kids are invited to come dressed as a shepherd, angel, or wise man, and will have an opportunity to engage with the cast as they act out the story of Christmas. Sign up: cpconline.org/events

SUNDAY EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMMING

Sundays • 9:00AM or 11:00AM Welcome back 6-month-olds-kindergarteners! We’re excited to share fun and the love of Jesus in person again. The smallest ones will be nurtured and cared for, and the 2-year-olds through kindergarten will hear Bible stories, sing songs, pray, and play. Sign up each week: cpconline.org/worship

MOM’S MORNING KIDS PROGRAMMING

Wednesdays • 9:30-11:15AM • Drop-off begins at 9:15AM • No programming December 23 & 30 CPC offers infant care and kids’ programming for kids ages 6 weekspreschool while moms attend Mom’s Morning. Infants receive personal care in a safe and nurturing environment. Toddlers and preschoolers experience fun and learning that is centered on interactive Bible stories, songs, silly games, and other engaging activities. Cost: $25/child per semester for both large and small group. Sign up: cpconline.org/moms-morning

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CPC LIFE

Wednesdays, December 2, 9, & 16 • 8:00-9:15PM Small group focused, engaging program for 10th-12th grade students. Please make sure your student is registered. A RSVP is required for each week of attendance. cpconline.org/ten12 ericaf@cpconline.org or vanc@cpconline.org

NEW! BIBLE STUDY FOR HSM

Wednesdays, December 2, 9, & 16 • 12:00-1:30PM • CPC All high schoolers are invited to join us for Bible study on Wednesday afternoons this December.

SPECIAL NEEDS TAPESTRY

Tuesdays, December 1 & 15• 6:30-7:30PM • Zoom Join us for fellowship and a mini lesson. Please reach out to Van or Erica for Zoom link. ericaf@cpconline.org or vanc@cpconline.org

MOSAIC WORSHIP SERVICE

Sunday, December 13 • 10:45AM This service celebrates that we are all children of God, and all are invited to worship God in our own way. This service is led mostly by students with special needs. Noises, sounds, and movements are welcome—they are all pleasing to God! Details at: cpconline.org/events

CPCONLINE.ORG • 952.920.8515 ADULTS SMALL GROUPS

Connect with others and deepen your relationship with Jesus. If you’re looking to get plugged into an existing group, fill out our simple interest form on our website: cpconline.org/groups.

SUNDAY COMMUNITIES

Sundays • In Person and on Zoom Sunday Communities foster a sense of belonging and growth with people of similar life stages through fellowship and discussion-based teaching.

• E3: millennial couples (In Person Off-Site) • CATALYST: married couples with young kids (Not currently meeting on Sundays) • ALLOY: mostly 30s-40s (11:00AM - Zoom) • S.A.L.T.: late 40s-60s (9:30AM - Zoom) • ACTS: late 50s & up (9:00AM - Zoom) • MORE: active retired folks (10:45AM - Zoom) • CREDO: intergenerational (10:45AM - Zoom) Learn more and contact leaders for Zoom details: cpconline.org/sunday-communities

IN THE WORD

Mondays • 9:30-11:30AM • Zoom Tuesdays • 7:00-8:30PM • Zoom James Madsen leads this intergenerational discussion-oriented class for men and women. Together we look at why Jesus matters in our everyday life as we dig into Romans. Sign up: cpconline.org/classes

WEDNESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY

Wednesdays • 11:00AM-12:00PM Rick Byron leads this lively discussion on the book of Romans as we continue our two year in-depth study. The 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, we meet on Zoom, and the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays we meet in a hybrid Zoom format with some members in person at CPC. Contact: debc@cpconline.org

MOMS OF TEENS

Whether you are facing the tween years, navigating college, or anything in between, we are here to support you. Our hope is to be that safe place to land, connecting you to other moms, and encouraging you in your relationship with Jesus. We invite you to engage in ways that suit your schedule. In January, our focus will turn to “Helping Your Family Envision the Future Again.” Resources will be available on the Moms of Teens web page and Instagram (@cpcmomsofteens) followed by a speaker on February 4. Visit the website this month for resources to engage with during the Advent season: cpconline.org/moms-of-teens.

MOM’S MORNING (for moms of young children)

LARGE GROUP Wednesday, December 9 • 9:30-11:15AM • Sanctuary & Virtual Join other moms for fellowship and inspirational speakers. On December 9, Emily Hamilton, CPC’s Pastor of Missions, will discuss waiting on God. We currently have a waitlist for kids’ programming (6 weeks-5th grade). Program cost: $25/semester (In Person) or $15/semester (Virtual). Kids’ programming cost (6 weeks-5th grade): $25/child per semester. Sign up: cpconline.org/moms-morning

WOMEN IN THE WORD

Mondays starting January 11 • 10:00-11:15AM • Zoom & In Person In the midst of hardship, tragedy, and unanswered questions, it’s difficult to glimpse God at work. How do we hold on to our faith during these times? How do we trust God is working all things for our good and His glory? Join us for 8 weeks as Kelly Minter traces the path of Joseph’s life in the Book of Genesis to observe how God’s sovereignty reigns, even in our darkest moments. Participants will watch the video teaching on their own at home and meet together for small group discussion on Monday mornings, either in person or virtually on Zoom. Option to purchase study guide with registration: $15. Sign up: cpconline.org/classes

CARE GROUPS DIVORCE SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesdays, December 1 & 8 • 6:30-8:00PM • Zoom This group is for people who are recently divorced or in the process of divorce. We welcome you wherever you are on the emotional spectrum of michelled@cpconline.org divorce. cpconline.org/care or

GRIEF RECOVERY

In lieu of our December meeting, please join us at the Candlelight Memorial Service on December 1 at 7:00PM. RSVP required for in person or online: cpconline.org/events Tuesday, January 12 • 6:00-8:30PM • Anderson Hall or Zoom Grief Recovery is for those who have lost a loved one. We experience God’s hope and healing through fellowship, prayer, and occasional guest speakers. In-person and virtual meeting options are available. michelled@cpconline.org

GRACE & HOPE FOR OUR CHILDREN

Tuesdays, December 15 & January 19 • 7:00-8:30PM • Anderson 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 sharing time and occasional guest speakdbrown@dcbrowninc.com ers.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

Saturdays, November 28 & December 26 & Fridays, December 11 & January 8 • 10:00AM-12:00PM • meets 2nd Friday & 4th Saturday over Zoom This ministry seeks to share God's love, comfort, and peace through the knitting and gifting of shawls. Prayers for the recipient are knit into each shawl. More knitters, experienced or not, are needed. Tutoring is provided. Over 100 shawls were gifted this past year! Janice Velgersdyk at 612.986.5902

S.T.A.R.S.

(Short Term Assistance Reaching Seniors) is a ministry designed to support seniors at home during their recovery from an accident, illness, or fall, or returning home after a hospital/rehab stay. Services include transportation to doctor/physical therapy appointments, grocery shopping, light housekeeping, and more! Judy Brink at 952.920.4364 CPC LIFE

ADVENT 2020

HAPPENINGS

FIRST IMPRESSIONS TEAM

SERVE

Play a role in cultivating a warm, welcoming environment for our guests worshiping each week. Sign up: cpconline.org/serve-here

LOVE JESUS AND LOVE KIDS?

Help kids feel safe, known, and loved as they learn about Jesus and the Gospel by helping out weekly, biweekly, or monthly. karenr@cpconline.org

TREEHOUSE EDINA

TreeHouse Edina is looking for volunteers to help with prepackaged snacks/ meals, to drive vans, and to support group volunteers. Interested? mlivingston@treehousehope.org

WORSHIP PRODUCTION

Help make worship happen at CPC! Work behind the scenes as a lighting, cameras, or screens volunteer during Traditional or Contemporary services. Sign up: cpconline.org/serve-here

CHORAL WORSHIP

The CPC Chancel Choir is exploring smaller group singing ensembles this fall, adhering to national and state health safety recommendations for COVID-19. All singers are welcome to join us as we serve God with music. heatherh@cpconline.org

MAKE YOUR 2021 COMMITMENT!

When you become a giving partner, you enable us to wisely plan and budget for ministry opportunities for the coming year. You can set up or update your recurring giving at cpconline.org/give. If you prefer to give by cash, check, or other method, contact Courtney McKinley on our Finance Team at 952.920.8515 x241 or giving@cpconline.org.

YEAR-END GIVING

All contributions to the church must be received or postmarked by December 31, 2020 to be credited for 2020. You can mail your gift or drop it off at the CPC office at the north entrance by Wednesday, December 30 by 5:00PM. (Building is closed December 31.) If the main office doors are locked, a Giving Kiosk will be available so you can securely make your donation. You can also make a contribution for the 2020 year by making an online gift at giving@cpconline.org.

ADVENT 2020

CPC LIFE

BIRTHS

Keely and Matt Dammann welcomed a son, Nash Matthew, on February 12.

pastor. John and Laura also spent time co-pastoring the International Church of Luzern, Switzerland, from November 2019-February 2020.

Allie and Eric Eickhof welcomed a son, Jude Dalton, on September 5.

Van Chounlamountry transitions from Associate Director of High School to Associate Director of Missions.

Nicole and Thor Christensen welcomed a daughter, Halle Nicole, on October 1.

Sarah Norton returns to the CPC staff as the Care and Life Events Manager.

Annalise and Cooper Butler welcomed a daughter, Sloane Rose, on October 5.

Michelle Durrett transitions from the Care and Life Events Manager to the Associate Director of Lay Care Ministries.

Jackie and Josh Pedretti welcomed a son, Brooks Thomas, on October 17.

Noel Christ, Director of Building & Grounds, celebrated 25 years on staff in October.

Jill and Ben Peterson welcomed a son, Isaiah Benjamin, on October 22. Emily and Jackson Denn welcomed a daughter, Adelaide Arlene, October 30. Stephanie and John Fleton welcomed a son, John â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jackâ&#x20AC;? Ernest, November 7.

MARRIAGES

Andrea Kvasnicka and Scott Newville were married on October 10. The Rev. Petey Crowder officiated. Ashley Ring and Tyler Brown were married on October 24. The Rev. Melissa Schaser officiated.

DEATHS

Maxine Kent passed away on October 6 at the age of 95. She is survived by son Bruce. Michale Depe passed away on October 19 at the age of 71. He is survived by daughter Heather (Paul) Favre and granddaughters Evelyn and Olivia. Mark Holman passed away on October 25 at the age of 66. He is survived by wife Deb and their two children. John Mulliken passed away on October 30 at the age of 88. He is survived by son Todd (Laura) and granddaughters Ashley, Alyssa, and Sara.

Byron McConnell, Graphic Designer and Music Library Associate, celebrated 5 years on staff in November.

FINANCIAL UPDATE

Ministry Fund Giving September 2020 budget: $282,187 September 2020 actual: $230,547 October 2020 budget: $314,377 October 2020 actual: $430,762 Our fiscal year began June 1, 2020 and ends May 31, 2021. We are behind on giving revenue fiscal year-to-date by $11,582. Missions Giving A total of $365,000 from our Ministry Fund has been budgeted for our missions partners, and will be distributed throughout the fiscal year.

UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONALS

Many of you enjoy the Upper Room as your daily devotional guide. We wanted to let you know the devotionals are available for pick-up on a table just outside the Main Office near the North Entrance.

STAFF UPDATES

Pastor John Crosby has accepted the position of Transitional Pastor at Menlo Church in Menlo Park, California. John and Laura anticipate fulfilling this role for the next 12-18 months, where they will bring leadership and healing to this congregation as they prepare for a new senior CPC LIFE

ADVENT 2020

6901 Normandale Road | Edina, MN 55435

Merry Christmas from Christ Presbyterian Church! We hope you enjoy this special Advent issue of CPC Life.

Christmas Eve Services • December 22-24

See page 9 for full descriptions and childcare options.

Worship With Us! SUNDAYS

9:00AM • Traditional Worship • In Person and Online 11:00 • Contemporary Worship • In Person and Online

To RSVP for in-person worship or to stream an online service, visit:

CPCONLINE.ORG/WORSHIP NOTE: December 27 Worship is ONLINE-ONLY. No in-person gathering.

NEW! CPC IN STUDIO Check out our online-only worship experience at cpconline.org/watch