CPC Life January/February 2018 by Christ Presbyterian Church

JANUARY â&#x20AC;¢ FEBRUARY 2018

W E A R E N OT R ICH BY W HAT W E POSSE SS B U T BY W HAT W E CA N DO W IT HOUT. -IMMANUAL K ANT

THE R E ’ S N E VE R EN OUGH OF T HE ST UFF YOU CA N ’ T GE T E N OUGH OF. -PATRICK H.T. DOYLE

D O N OT SPOIL W HAT YO U HAVE BY DE SIR IN G W HAT YOU HAVE N OT. -EPICURUS

T H E R E A R E T W O WAYS TO G E T E N OUGH: ON E IS TO A CCUMUL AT E MOR E A N D MOR E . T HE OT HE R I S TO DE SIR E LE SS. -G. K . CHESTERTON

H E W HO IS N OT CON T E N T E D W IT H W H AT HE HA S, W OULD N OT BE CON T E N T E D W IT H W HAT HE W O U LD LIKE TO HAVE . -SOCRATES

I H AV E L E A R N E D T O B E C O N T E N T W H AT E V E R T H E C I R C U M S TA N C E S . -THE APOSTLE PAUL

’m ten years old, and my mother surprises us in the middle of a steamy Midwest summer afternoon. She reaches into the freezer as I come inside, sweating, and hands me a bowl with not one, but two HUGE scoops of mint chocolate chip ice cream! I beam as I go out on the stoop to savor each lick, and seeing the treasure, my brother rushes into the house. He comes out with his spoon poised over his own bowl, and we grin and dig in, smiles splitting our faces. But suddenly, disaster. As he puts his bowl down on the stoop to paw the ice-cream mustache off his face, I notice that the greedy little jerk has THREE scoops in his bowl. Maybe not quite as big as mine, but he has MORE. And storm clouds roll in, because . . . “That’s not FAIR!” Instantly, the incredible gift of undeserved luxury loses its splendor.

“Contentment is the cultivation of a satisfied heart.” – JEFF MANI ON

We can smile at my ten-year-old immaturity because we’d never be like that, would we? Not as adults, not as privileged members of the wealthiest society in the history of the planet, not as Christians. But it’d be TOTALLY different if we happened to find out that our colleague got a 3% higher bonus than we did! It seems we all need to enroll in the School of Contentment. Jeff Manion writes in his book Satisfied: “The tragedy is not that we who occupy the middle class are rich when compared to the larger world, but that we are rich and utterly unaware.

We are rich and forget that we are rich. The scandal is not how much we have but how little we think we have, and thus, how much more we expect and demand. Our souls are in danger. In danger of the felony of ingratitude.” How about a word from a voice from our childhood, Mr. Rogers (a Presbyterian pastor, by the way): “The older I get, the more I come to understand that the things we possess can never bring us ultimate happiness. Contrary to what is implied in the commercials, nothing we buy can take away our loneliness, fill our emptiness, or heal our brokenness.” Manion concludes, “Contentment is the cultivation of a satisfied heart.” So how do we learn to be satisfied with what we have instead of jealous of what we lack? If your heart resonates with any of these feelings, if you struggle to rejoice when others do better, if you always feel like there’s never quite enough at the end of the month, enroll with me in the School of Contentment. We’ll see together if we can make a little progress so that by the end of January, when our other New Year’s resolutions lose steam, we can nod in some agreement with a prisoner in an Ephesian jail who sings songs in the middle of the night because “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” As the Christmas presents break and the credit cards come due, would you like to enroll with me? Jesus is the Teacher, and class is in session!

J O H N C R O S B Y serves as SENIOR PASTOR

CPC LIFE

| JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2018

e are a restless people, and consumerism has created in us an appetite for dissatisfaction. Craig Barnes says, “Once a person begins to construct his or her life through economic means, they assume the identity of being a consumer, and they consume not only things but also relationships, roles, jobs, and communities. But part of the definition of being a consumer is that one's identity is never satisfied, so they just keep consuming more and more.” Our contentment is either short-lived or just out of our grasp. Even Christians are not immune to this dissatisfaction. As Bono sings about Jesus:

You broke the bonds And you loosed the chains Carried the cross of my shame Oh my shame, you know I believe it. But I still haven't found What I'm looking for. You can feel in your heart exactly what U2 is talking about. We strive for ways to deal with restlessness ourselves: Changing jobs. Changing spouses. Changing churches. If that doesn’t work, we focus on self-improvement. We think the simple answer is that less is more—but contentment isn’t found in minimalism. It’s just another attempt to find contentment apart from the only One who can give you what you really need. Jesus accepts us just as we are. There is no striving, nothing we need to accomplish. Jesus loves us more than we can imagine. He died for our sins and rescues us from consumerism, minimalism, legalism and a whole bunch of other “isms.” Your identity in Christ is not dependent on what you have, what you’ve done, or who you know. You are not your success and failures. In Christ, you are God’s beloved child. When your identity is secure in Christ, there is amazing freedom. I no longer need to use people to gain my acceptance. I can just love them. I no longer need my stuff to validate my identity, for it doesn’t define me. Yet we only find Jesus if we know that we need Him. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for they shall receive the kingdom of God”(Matthew 5:3). When you feel restlessness in your heart, don’t go shopping or give away your stuff. Come to Jesus to find true satisfaction and contentment.

J A M E S M A D S E N serves as P A S T O R of D I S C I P L E S H I P

TIRED OF TAKING SIDES? (WE ARE, TOO.) Our fractured culture pushes us to take sides in every conflict and issue of the day. In Jesus Outside the Lines, Scott Sauls offers us another way forward through the person of Jesus.

SCOTT SAULS SPEAKS AT CPC

Saturday, February 17 • 5:15PM Sunday, February 18 • 9:30 & 11:00AM

JOIN A BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP! Tuesdays starting February 20 • 6:45-8:00PM • Thursdays starting February 22 • 12:00-1:00PM Sundays starting February 25 • 10:45AM-12:00PM Explore what it means to be true to your beliefs and to engage in today’s culture! Join a group to discuss Scott Sauls’ Jesus Outside the Lines. These short-term (just 5 weeks!) groups are a great way to connect with others. Sign up: cpconline.org/groups

S TA FF SP OT LIGH T CATH Y WOOD HOMETOWN: Fort Leonardwood Army base in Missouri; Edina FAMILY: Brian (married 32 years), Maddie (26), Zach (21), Charlie (18) GUILTY PLEASURE: Hallmark movies FAVORITE BOOKS: political mystery thrillers, Christian fiction

W H AT A RE YOUR HOBBIES?

you. Also, ask me to coffee—I won’t say no! I love to hear people’s stories with all the details.

I love to walk, go to coffee with a friend, golf. I’m learning how to play the guitar. I’m terrible. When I practice at home, my family closes all the doors and the dog howls! Someday in heaven, I’m going to be rocking out and I’m going to be able to sing—but I can’t do either right now!

And for those who have been here a long time, but might be in a season of disengagement, we’re here with open hands and open hearts. Come have a conversation about how we might be of help.

DESCRIBE THE WORK OF THE CONNECTIONS TE A M.

W H Y IS THIS A N A RE A OF PA S SION FOR YOU?

Together with the First Impressions team (we couldn’t do it without them!), we hope to create personal touch points with people to get them connected. Our team is also exploring the concept of everyday outreach: Outreach is just who you are in the world—how you interact with people.

I truly believe Jesus is the hope of the world. It’s cliché, but until we realize that Jesus came to bring us freedom, peace, and joy, nothing else will be fulfilling.

W H AT DO YOU WA NT FOR PEOPLE W HO A RE NE W ER TO CPC?

I also find great joy in connecting people to other people and letting God take it from there. Seeing how people connect is a blast—this is a perfect job for me! Each time I get an opportunity to encounter someone new, I also get to encounter God in a new way.

We want them to feel cared for, to feel included, and to feel known—to experience a bit of Jesus when they come in. We don’t want to just hand out pieces of information, we want to have a conversation. It’s so important—it’s a big church! We want each person to know that they belong and they have a place here. It doesn’t matter where you’ve been, how you dress, what you do. We see and honor the image of God in

JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2018

CPC LIFE

C A T H Y W O O D has served as CONNECTIONS COORDIN ATOR since 2 0 1 6

Get to know us

Deepen your

roots.

better! Welcome to CPC Sunday, January 21 10:30AM • Room 203 & 12:00PM • Room 200 These 20-minute, casual gatherings are led by CPC pastors and explain more of our history, values, and how to get connected. No need to sign up; come as you are!

New Member Retreat

February 23-24 Make your connection more official by joining as members of CPC. Kicks off with a potluck-style dinner for the whole family on Friday. The retreat continues Saturday with breakfast, three small-group meetings, and concludes with a joining lunch.

Find rest for your soul.

Saturday, February 10 8:30-11:30AM • Anderson Hall This mini spiritual retreat helps you discover your true core value in Jesus. Led by Judie Ritchie, former CPC pastor, the retreat features meditation on Scripture stories.

Live the life you were made for.

Friday, February 2

Doors open 7:00PM; program 7:30PM This night of dessert and inspiration is geared toward women of all ages. Author and speaker Jo Saxton speaks on “The Dream of You,” encouraging you to let go of broken identities. Cost: $15.

FA I T H S T O RY: S H A R O N H E I B E R G

he first thing that comes to mind for me when I think of contentment are Paul’s words in Philippians 4:11: “I’ve learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” I became a Christian as a young child, and I’ve walked with Jesus for a lot of years. And in that time I’ve learned about Him and His character and His attributes . . . and that He keeps His promises and He is faithful. My husband, Bob, and I have been in lots of Bible studies, and depending on the promises in God’s Word and faithfully reading it gives us a foundation we can rely upon. Some people would say I have control issues—I like to know what’s going to happen, when it’s going to happen, and how it’s going to happen so I can make plans!!! But it doesn’t always work that way. So I am learning that it’s not me but God who is in control. He is the Sovereign one, and He has better ideas than I do. His ways are better than mine; His thoughts are better than mine. So why

not just trust Him? But do I trust Him all the time? No! Trust and contentment in Jesus builds when He walks with you in your trials. When you are walking with Jesus and you become parents, you want to train up your children in the way they should go. You want your

Trust and contentment in Jesus builds when He walks with you in your trials. children to be followers of Christ also, and when they do follow Him, it’s really a joy. But sometimes God asks them to do something you would never even imagine. Like my daughter, who is in India serving Him there. How can you not be joyful about that—that she would answer God’s call to serve Him wherever He wants her to be? I

was able to feel that way even the first time she decided to step out in faith because it wasn’t about me. It was about what my daughter was pursuing, how she was following His leading, step by step. Yes, there’s a hole in our family gatherings without her presence, but she’s convinced—and we are, too—that this is where God wants her to be. As you live this life and go through the good times and the bad—that’s where you are learning contentment. Because in the bad times, God is walking through it with you. I had breast cancer, and yet I had such an incredible sense of peace because a lot of people were praying for me, and Jesus promised me His peace. And He was right there. Did I enjoy it? No. The surgeries and the chemo and the effects of the chemo that are still with me . . . but God was present in my pain, and He is still with me through it all. I’ve found that just walking with the Lord brings contentment.

Sharon and her husband, Bob Sharon volunteers weekly as a CPC receptionist and is beloved for the decadent treats she brings.

The Heiberg Family

JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2018

CPC LIFE

Sharon and her daughter in India

HAPPENINGS CPCONLINE.ORG • 952.920.8515

EVENTS MID-MONTH CHAPEL SERVICE

Wednesday, January 17 • 12:00PM • Chapel A traditional service with a short message by Petey Crowder, hymns, Communion, and prayers. Lunch follows.

WELCOME TO CPC

Sunday, January 21 • 10:30AM (Room 203) & 12:00PM (Room 200) Learn more about our church, staff, and programs at these brief sessions.

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES

Wednesday, February 14 • 12:00, 6:30PM Begin the Lenten journey as we gather for worship: 12:00PM (Chapel): Traditional service with a meditation, Communion, and the imposition of ashes 6:30PM: Identical services of reflection with confession, Communion, and the imposition of ashes

NEW MEMBER RETREAT

Friday, February 23 • 6:30-8:30PM and Saturday, February 24 • 9:00AM1:00PM • Anderson Hall Make your connection to CPC more official by becoming members. Begin Friday with a fun, potluck-style dinner for the whole family. Continue Saturday with breakfast, three small group meetings, and end with a Joining Lunch. Sign up: cpconline.org/events

MEET GOD ON YOUR MAT: HOLY YOGA

Tuesdays and Thursdays • 5:30-6:30PM • MPR Holy Yoga offers connection to Jesus and restoration for the body through Scripture, meditation, music, and movement. Holy Yoga Flow on Tuesdays with Brooke Toftoy and Restorative Holy Yoga on Thursdays with Mary Kay Burns.

KIDS 2018 SUMMER CAMPS

Camps for kids ages 3-grade 5. June 17-22 • Hope Shores Camp* • overnight camp • kids entering 4th-5th grades June 29-July 1 • Hope Shores Family Camp* • overnight camp • families with kids of all ages July 9-12 • VBS • day camp at CPC • kids age 3-entering 5th grade NEW! Wacky Wednesdays June 13 • drop-off event • kids entering grades K-5 June 20 • family event • all ages July 25 • drop-off event • kids entering grades K-5 August 8 • family event • all ages August 22 • family event • all ages *Signups for Hope Shores camps open Thursday, March 1 at hope-pc.org/hope-shores/#youth-camps

Signups for CPC camps and Wacky Wednesdays open Saturday, February 24 at 10:00AM: cpconline.org/events

WEEKEND PROGRAMS

9:30 & 11:00AM services Inviting kids and their families to follow Jesus, love others, and develop a faith that sticks! Sign up: cpconline.org/kids Saturday 5:15PM service: Loving childcare provided (6 weeks-3 years) Sundays: Nursery (Infants & Toddlers): Loving childcare provided

Sprouts (2-year-olds): Play and learn about the Bible with weekly lessons and art projects

JAM (3-5-year-olds): Have fun and learn through Bible lessons, prayer, art, and worship Elementary Programming (K-5th): 9:30AM Sunday School Hour: Kids go deep into God’s Word in a fun and interactive way. Kids can start in Sunday school OR head to church with families and join class after the Children’s Sermon. Kids grouped according to grade (K-1, 2-3, 4-5). 11:00AM Kids’ Church: Kids get to play, create, and worship together. Free choice time (art or gym) follows a worship time designed for kids with a dynamic Bible lesson, prayer, and singing. Kids’ Church begins directly after the Children’s Sermon. K-5th grouped together.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: CHOIR & CLUB

Wednesdays (no programs February 14) • 5:15-7:30PM Dinner (5:15-6:30PM): Available to all for a small fee.

Choir for K-5th graders (5:45-6:30PM): Develop a love for music, learn biblical truths, and improve musical and dramatic skills, all while praising God!

Club for 2nd-5th graders (6:30-7:30PM): Connect with leaders and peers as you learn to follow Jesus and love others. Includes a Bible lesson, games, and small groups according to grade and gender (2nd-3rd girls, 2nd-3rd boys, 4th-5th girls, 4th-5th boys). Cost: $30/first child, $20/second child, $10/third child; max $60/family. Sign up: cpconline.org/kids

STUDENTS 2018 SUMMER CAMPS

Signups open Saturday, February 24 • 10:00AM Camps are offered for students in grades 6-12. Save the dates below: June 11-15 • Rockslide • adventure camp • current 5th-7th graders June 17-22 • Mission Houston • service camp • current 8th-12th graders June 26-30 • Camp 6:8 • day camp • current 5th-7th graders July 9-13 • Quest • houseboat trip • current 8th graders July 21-27 • Summit • adventure camp • current 9th-11th graders Read more details and sign up: Sign up: cpconline.org/events

REGISTRATION

All 6th-12th graders must register in order to participate in programs and small groups. Sign up: cpconline.org/students/6th-12th-grades

MIDDLE SCHOOL RUCKUS: TREMENDOUS TUBING

Friday, January 19 • 5:30-8:30PM 6th-8th graders, come snow tubing at Buck Hill! Meet at CPC to ride the bus with us. Cost: $13. Sign up: cpconline.org/events CPC LIFE

| JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2018

HAPPENINGS

AVALANCHE RETREAT

Saturday-Monday, February 17-19 • Spirit Mountain in Duluth 6th-8th graders, head up to Duluth for a ski/snowboarding retreat and service trip. Cost: $275. Sign up: cpconline.org/events

ACCESS

Wednesdays • 6:30-7:45PM A high-energy, engaging program for 6th graders. Awesome high schoolers lead small groups. Please make sure your student is registered. brooksw@cpconline.org

done for you in Jesus. This mini spiritual retreat features meditation on Scripture stories and is led by former CPC pastor Judie Ritchie. Cost: $15. Sign up: cpconline.org/events

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE

Friday, February 23 • Doors open 7:00PM, 7:30PM program Join women of all ages for an evening of dessert and inspiration as Jo Saxton, author, speaker, and cohost of the Lead Stories Podcast, presents “The Dream of You.” Cost: $15. Sign up: cpconline.org/events

MIXED

ELEVATE

Wednesdays • 6:30-7:45PM A night of fun, large-group learning and small-group discussion for 7th-8th graders. Please make sure your student is registered. vanc@cpconline.org

HIGH SCHOOL COMMITMENT CLASS WORSHIP EXPERIENCE

Sunday, January 21 One of our required special events is Worship Experience, when students attend another local church with their small group and families. Look for details in the mail soon!

CC & TEN12 STUDY BREAK

Wednesday, January 24 • 8:00-9:15PM Take a break from studying for finals for a night of food and fun!

COMMITMENT CLASS

Wednesdays • 6:30-7:45PM A night of fun, large-group learning and small-group discussion for 9th graders. Please make sure your student is registered. lexis@cpconline.org

TEN12 HOUSE GROUPS

Wednesdays, January 17, 31, February 7• 8:00-9:15PM trevort@cpconline.org

SPECIAL NEEDS MOSAIC WORSHIP SERVICE

Sunday, January 21 • 12:30PM • Sanctuary Mosaic celebrates that we are all children of God and worship God in our own ways—noises, sounds, and movements welcome! This service led mostly by students with special needs. Lunch provided afterward. sarahn@cpconline.org

TAPESTRY

Tuesdays, January 23 & February 6 • 6:30-7:30PM • Anderson Hall CPC’s ministry for kids and students with special needs explores who God is and how we can have a relationship with Him through Bible study, service projects, games, guest speakers, and story/drama. vanc@cpconline.org

ADULTS SOUL CARE SATURDAY

Saturday, February 10• 8:30-11:30AM • Anderson Hall Find rest for your soul and discover your core value through what God has JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2018

Wednesdays through March 7 • 6:30-7:30PM • Room 200 Explore faith and experience community. Starting Point includes video teaching and follow-up discussion—tough questions welcome! Led by Dave and Laura Scherf. Cost: $10. Sign up: cpconline.org/classes

FOUNDATIONS OF FAITH

Sundays beginning January 14 • 10:45AM-12:00PM • Room 304 Eager to follow Jesus but feel unsure where to begin? In this six-week lifechanging class, Chad Selje teaches you to build your life on God’s eternal promises. Sign up: cpconline.org/classes

CPC BOOK CLUB

Thursday, January 18 • 7:00PM • Room 305 We discuss The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald. sjschrader@aol.com Contact Susan Schrader:

SUNDAY COMMUNITIES

Sundays • 9:30 or 10:45AM More than just “Sunday school,” Sunday Communities foster a sense of belonging and growth with people of similar interests or life stages. •E 3 (millenial couples) Petey Crowder speaks on “Four Liberating Truths” (9:30AM - Room 302) •C ATALYST (couples with young children) (9:30AM - Room 201/202) •M IXED TAPES (primarily 30s) (9:30AM - Fellowship Hall West) •S .A.L.T. (40s & 50s) James Madsen speaks on “Imperfect Disciples” (9:30AM - Fellowship Hall East) •A .C.T.S. (late 50s & 60s) Dave Scherf speaks on “Faith at Fifty (and Beyond!)” (9:20AM - Fellowship Hall Center) •M ORE (active retired) Randy Andersen speaks on “Living Faithfully” (10:45AM - Fireside Room - old Room 107) •C REDO (intergenerational) Justin Buol speaks on “How Early Church Controversies Impact Christians Today” (10:45AM - Fellowship Hall Center)

IN THE WORD

Mondays • 9:30-11:30AM OR Tuesdays • 7:00-8:30PM • Room 116 James Madsen leads this intergenerational discussion-oriented study of Ephesians and Philippians for men and women. Together we connect our everyday lives to the hope and joy found in Christ in life-transforming ways! Sign up: cpconline.org/classes

NEW! 20s & 30s SMALL GROUP

EVENTS

STARTING POINT

CPC LIFE

2nd & 4th Thursdays • 7:00-9:00PM • South Minneapolis home All are welcome to join this new small group: singles, couples, men, women, professionals, and students (and any category we forgot to name)! Through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship, we'll navigate life as 20- and 30-somethings while growing in our faith. Led by AnnaLisa and Justin Buol. Sign up: cpconline.org/groups

CPCONLINE.ORG • 952.920.8515

NEW! 20s-30s COUPLES' GROUP

Thursdays twice a month • 7:00-9:00PM • nearby home You are invited to join this new small group for dating/engaged/young married couples. Sign up: cpconline.org/groups

MEN THE DADS’ GROUP

Wednesdays • 6:30-7:30PM • Fireside Room (old Room 107) We are Christian dads who want to become better husbands, dads, and men. Led by Allen Pofahl and Tom Wagner, we study A Dad After God’s Own Heart and meet whenever there is Wednesday night programming for kids and students. Sign up: cpconline.org/groups

MORNING MEN’S GROUPS

Several existing men’s small groups welcome new participants. Sign up: cpconline.org/groups

WOMEN NEW! MOMS ON WEDNESDAY NIGHTS

Wednesdays • 7:00-7:30PM (fellowship at 6:45PM) • Choir Room Take a pause in the middle of your week with other moms. Slow down, be encouraged with a devotional, and pray. Led by Abby Andrusko, we meet whenever there is Wednesday night programming for kids and students. Come when you can! Contact Esty Bain, Childcare Coordinator, for estelleb@cpconline.org childcare for infants-1st grade:

MOMS IN THE MIDDLE (for moms of tweens and teens)

LARGE GROUP Thursday, January 18 • 9:30-11:30AM • Anderson Hall Sadie Holland presents “Know the Truth About Minnesota Teen Drug and Alcohol Prevention” and shares personal stories of overcoming addiction. Cost: $5 at the door. cpconline.org/groups SMALL GROUPS Thursdays, January 25 and February 8 • 9:30AM Small groups meet twice a month and provide in-depth connection, support, and study. slaneyhome@gmail.com Contact Kirstin Slaney:

MOM’S MORNING (for moms of young children)

LARGE GROUP Wednesdays, January 24 & February 14 • 9:30-11:30AM • Fellowship Hall In January, Ruth Buezis presents “Let’s Talk About Sex.” In February, Galit Breen presents “Kindness Wins.” Cost: $30/year for Large Group; $30/child (waitlist for childcare). Sign up: cpconline.org/groups SMALL GROUPS Meets 1st, 3rd, & 5th Wednesdays • 9:30-11:30AM Groups allow you to develop relationships through Bible study, prayer, fellowship, and Christ-centered support. Cost: $30/child for childcare (waitlist). trailerfamily@gmail.com Contact Angie Trailer:

LET’S CONNECT

Thursday, February 8 • 6:30PM • Fireside Room (old Room 107) Let’s Connect is a ministry that seeks to provide women in their middle years a space to live, learn, and serve while growing in Christ. Join us for a

discussion on Scott Sauls’ book Jesus Outside the Lines. cpconline.org/events

NEEDLEWORK GUILD

Saturday, February 10 • 10:00AM-2:00PM • Fellowship Hall Our mission is to make warm garments and blankets for local agencies that serve those in need. We have yarn, fabric, and knitters to get you started. Sally Stoutenburgh at 952.927.6915

WOMEN IN THE WORD

Mondays through March 5 • 9:30-11:45AM • Anderson Hall Lisa Harper’s Hebrews: The Nearness of King Jesus will help you draw near to the approachable Savior. Seven sessions include DVD teaching, small group conversation, fellowship, and prayer. Cost: $17. Sign up: cpconline.org/classes

EVENING MOM’S GROUP

Meets Mondays every three weeks • 7:00-8:30PM • Office Conference Room 2 Connect and grow together in faith with other moms of young kids through elementary age. Led by Nicole Van Heel, we study Parenting with Purpose and Grace. No childcare. Sign up: cpconline.org/groups

OLDER ADULTS CIRCLES (women

60+) Circles combine fellowship, learning, and service in a small group setting. Guests and new members always welcome! MARTHA CIRCLE Wednesday, January 17 • 10:30AM • Fireside Room (old Room 107) All women welcome! Pat Haberkorn at 952.941.4188 ESTHER CIRCLE Wednesday, February 7 • 10:00AM • in a nearby home All are welcome to join us for Bible study and fellowship. shellienw@gmail.com RUTH CIRCLE Meets every Wednesday • 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. Barb Bucha at 952.470.4414

HORIZONS (active retired): BUNCO + PIE!

Saturday, January 20 • 6:30PM • Anderson Hall Horizons is an inviting community of active retirement-age singles and couples, experiencing and sharing the good we see all around us! Enjoy a fun game night (no experience needed) including prizes and breaks for pie. No cost, but let us know if you’d like to bring a homemade pie. Sign up: debc@cpconline.org

EDYNAMOES

Wednesday, January 31 • 11:30AM • Fellowship Hall Enjoy a luncheon prepared by our “Cutie Cooks.” Pastor and musical ventriloquist Kevin Doely entertains us with his program, “Laugh for Life,” a heartwarming routine featuring characters like Johnny Cash, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis. Cost: $5. Please bring Jerry's cash receipts and pop/can tabs. Cleo Wedge at 952.922.2769 Sign up by January 28:

HAPPENINGS

NEAR

CARE

MISSIONS OF THE MONTH

GROUPS GRACE & HOPE FOR OUR CHILDREN Tuesday, January 16 • 7:00-8:30PM • Room 306 • 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. Nancy Howe, CFPS, NAMI-MN presents, “Managing a Mental Health Crisis for Families.” dbrown@dcbrowninc.com

SINGLE-PARENT FAMILY MINISTRY Thursday, January 18 • 6:00-8:00PM • Anderson Hall In this community for single parents and their children, we share a family meal, then adults break off to hear psychologist Todd Mulliken speak on “How to Bring out the Best in Your Kids.” Childcare provided through elementary age. No cost. marya@cpconline.org

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY Saturday, January 27 (Fireside Room) and Friday, February 9 (Anderson Hall) • 10:00AM-12:00PM 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. Newcomers welcome. Coaching and materials can be provided. Pat Johnson at 952.270.1434

ALZHEIMER’S EDUCATION SERIES Thursday, February 8 • 6:30-8:00PM • Room 116 A series for care partners and those with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Join us for our last meeting until Fall 2018. Katie Roberg of the Alzheimer’s Association presents, “What’s Trending in Research.” No reservation needed. marya@cpconline.org

GRIEF RECOVERY Tuesday, February 13 • 6:00-8:30PM • Fireside Room • 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. Pastor John Crosby speaks. debbiem@cpconline.org

LGBTQ FAMILY GROUP

This group is for parents and family members of someone who is LGBTQ. Discuss together how to best love and support our loved one and each other. rgarton1@msn.com

SERVE HERE HELP MAKE FAITH STICK!

Enjoy kids and want to help make faith stick? Kids’ Ministries is looking for volunteers with varying gifts. tammym@cpconline.org

JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2018

CPC LIFE

JANUARY: YOUNG LIFE CAPERNAUM This ministry gives students with different abilities the chance to experience fun, adventure, and friendship. FEBRUARY: OPPORTUNITY INTERNATIONAL OI transforms communities by empowering Nicaraguans to break the cycle of poverty through financial education, skills training, and loans. To give, mark your check memo "Mission of the Month" or give online: cpconline.org/give

BLOOMINGTON LOAVES AND FISHES

Fridays, January 19 and February 16 • Prep: 2:00-4:00PM; Serve: 5:007:00PM • Creekside Community Center • Third Fridays Volunteers age 15 and older are welcome to prepare and serve a meal with our Bloomington friends. Sign up: cpconline.org/events

TAKE THE INTERCULTURAL DEVELOPMENT INVENTORY

Saturday, February 24 • 9:00AM • Fireside Room The IDI is a tool that assesses your ability to shift cultural perspective and ultimately, be a better neighbor. Facilitated by Urban Homeworks staff. Sign up: cpconline.org/events.

FIGHT HUMAN TRAFFICKING: PURPLE LIGHT PROJECT

Be a beacon of hope to trafficked women through Source MN’s Purple Light info@sourcemn.org Project. Training provided. Join the fight:

FAR YOU ARE INVITED TO GO!

GO!Trips are short-term trips to witness God’s work in the world. Learn more and sign up: cpconline.org/serve-far Jamaica with TEN12 March 25-31 • students in grades 10-12 Spend Spring Break serving the local Jamaican community. Cost: $1,995 (subject to change). Fundraising available. Israel/Palestine with Rich & Jody Phenow April 20-May 2 Visit holy and historic sites with our hosts Yohanna and Dina Katanacho. This pilgrimage will deepen your faith and understanding of the conflict in the Middle East. Cost (including airfare; subject to change): $3495. Register immediately.

BIRTHS

David and Jamie Fredrickson welcomed a daughter, Elouise “Louie” Grace, on November 12. Sam and Sarah Wiener welcomed a son, Wesley Mark William, on December 26.

MARRIAGES

Emily Janssen and Dan Larson were married on December 30. The Rev. Richard Phenow officiated.

DEATHS

Don Hays passed away in November in California. He is survived by brother Dick (Inta) Hayes. Carol McPheeters passed away on November 28 at the age of 87. She is survived by son Bruce (Ann) McPheeters. William “Bill” Kreofsky passed away on December 2 at the age of 87. He is survived by daughter Cheryl Kreofsky (Mike Fitzgerald). Lesley Ann “Lani” Bassett passed away on December 3 at the age of 83. She is survived by sons Steve, Douglas, and Scott Bassett. Dan Phipps passed away on December 21 at the age of 53. He is survived by wife, Paula. Joan Pontius passed away on December 23 at the age of 88. She is survived by son Steve (Leanne) Pontius and daughter Betsy Anderson. Ken Miller passed away on December 24 at the age of 89. He is survived by daughter Janna (David) Braun. Douglas Alan Drake passed away on December 25 at the age of 99. He is survived by son Doug Drake. Paul R. McConnell passed away on December 26 at the age of 82. He is survived by son and CPC staff member, Byron (Lisa) McConnell. Rebecca Gladhill’s father died in Florida on December 27. Norman Densmore passed away on December 30 at the age of 90. He is survived by wife, Jerri.

Robert “Bob” Scherf passed away on December 31. He is survived by son Dave (Laura) Scherf.

RECENTLY HOSPITALIZED Shirley Alvord Jessie Caldow Jeff Cook Norman Densmore Kenny Holley

Joan Jensen Mary Lou Jensen Alice Jolink Marilyn Koch Annie McCallon

Lorraine Plasman Carol Vetsch Mitzie Wilcox George Wood

STAFF UPDATES

Mycah Burns left her position in Student Ministries as TEN12 Community Director. Nate Opsata joins as Associate Director of Elementary. Jane Nienaber celebrates 30 years of employment at CPC on February 25. Jane has been a dedicated member of our music ministry as our organist/accompanist, faithfully supporting our choirs, ensembles, and soloists and helping lead our congregation in praise and worship.

FINANCIAL UPDATE

Missions Christmas Offering: $115,675 YTD Total Missions Giving: $206,606 Ministry Fund Revenue/Expense Update November 2017 YTD Revenue Actual: $1,844,566 November 2017 YTD Revenue Budget: $1,940,322 December 2017 YTD Revenue Actual: $2,787,840 December 2017 YTD Revenue Budget: $3,132,813 YTD (12/31/2017) We are behind on giving revenue by $344,973 We are under on expenses by $155,180 The difference between those creates a gap of -$189,793 We’re grateful to all of you who gave in 2017! If you have not turned in a commitment card for 2018, there is still time! Commitment cards are found in pew racks or pledge online at cpconline.org/give.

Scenes from Momâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Morning Christmas Brunch with speaker Kyle Jackson.

Musical guests Simple Gifts led traditional Christmas hymns and carols to help us prepare our hearts for Christmas.

WORSHIP WITH US Saturdays at 5:15PM • Contemporary Worship Sundays at 9:30AM • Traditional Worship Sundays at 11:00AM • Contemporary Worship

Begin the season of Lent with Ash Wednesday Services W E D N E S D AY, F E B R U A R Y 1 4 12:00PM • Chapel Traditional service including a meditation, Communion, and the imposition of ashes 6:30PM • Sanctuary A service of reflection with confession, Communion, and the imposition of ashes

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Christ Presbyterian Church

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