that Speak to Us & For Us
Christ Presbyterian Church | 952.920.8515 | cpconline.org | facebook.com/cpconline | @CPCEdina | #cpcedina
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ometimes we are at a loss for words, especially when it comes to talking to God. Whether our circumstances are tragic or celebratory, desperate or joyful, we often worry that we’ll “mess up” our prayers. Our words can feel flat, rote. We wonder if God is listening.
In our June and July sermon series, we are exploring how the Psalms help us find words to express the deepest cries of our hearts. The gift of the Psalms is how they both speak to us and for us. Journey with us as we find freedom to say honestly to God:
LORD my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me. -Psalm 30:2
Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. -Psalm 25
Turn, Lord, and deliver me! Save me because of your unfailing love. -Psalm 6:4
How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? -Psalm 13:1 Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. -Psalm 98:1
Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? -Psalm 22:1
I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. -Psalm 5:3
I will fear no evil, for you are with me. -Psalm 23:4
Beloved, know that you are invited to present yourself to God exactly as you are— and see how the honesty of your emotions draws you closer to the One who knows you, loves you, and cares for you.
C P C S TA F F
Share Their Favorite Psalms I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. -Psalm 121:1-2 I love this psalm because our camp choir sang it every Sunday as we met outside in the woods atop a BIG (to a ten-year-old) hill. It was the first time I became aware of the wonder of creation and eventually, much later, I came to believe in Jesus. Debbie Ducar, Discipleship
Those who look to Him are radiant, their faces are never covered with shame. -Psalm 34:5 Several years back, I sat in a room alone listening for God in prayer. As I sat there, I felt like someone had their gaze on me, and in that moment I sensed an invitation from the Lord: “Lift your head and look at Me.” The sense of God’s presence and the invitation was so clear that I literally lifted my head and opened my eyes to look around the room. I was so moved by this experience that I shared it with others. Upon hearing my story, a woman well-versed in Scripture pointed me to Psalm 34:5. I realized that I was carrying shame that God wanted to free me from. Meditating on this Psalm became a regular invitation to glory instead of shame. Kathleen Selje, Kids Ministries
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. -Psalm 139:13-16 This psalm is meaningful to me because God not only knows me and loves me, but He created me and He had plans for my life before I was even born. It’s also meaningful because there was quite a stir when I was born. My mom gave birth to my brother, Wayne, and then to everyone’s surprise (including the doctor's) there was one more baby to be born—me! No one suspected she was carrying twins. I wonder if God was smiling as chaos erupted among the medical staff. He knew I was there! And God indeed had plans for both of us. One of the things I grapple with is that God knows the plans for our lives, but I wonder why my brother died sixteen years ago from a brain tumor, and I am still here. But God is good, and I trust Him even when I don’t understand. Jane Nienaber, Worship and Music CPC LIFE
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sking for a favorite psalm is like asking for a favorite child—I love so many of the psalms. They often prompt hymns, choruses, or choral settings of the psalms in my mind, and I immediately break into song! Here is a favorite hymn that is a paraphrase of Psalm 103. I encourage you to grab your Bible and compare what you see in the psalm with what is sung in this hymn.
Heather Hood, Worship and Music
raise, my soul, the King of heaven, P to His feet your tribute bring; ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven, evermore His praises sing. Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise the everlasting King! raise Him for His grace and favor P to all people in distress. Praise Him, still the same forever, slow to chide and swift to bless: Alleluia! Alleluia! Glorious in His faithfulness! ather-like He tends and spares us; F all our hopes and fears He knows. In His hands He gently bears us, rescues us from all our foes. Alleluia! Alleluia! Widely as His mercy flows! ngels help us to adore Him, A you behold Him face to face. Sun and moon, bow down before Him; all who dwell in time and space. Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise with us the God of grace!
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. -Psalm 20:7 When I was a little girl we had a square living room that was perfect for dancing, twirling, and singing. I didn’t have my own music but would listen to my parents’ albums. One favorite album was by Rod McKuen called Some Trust in Chariots. I don’t think I even knew what a chariot was, but the title song had a great beat. Years later I came upon Psalm 20 and there was the line! Now I hold on to the richer meaning of the psalm, to trust in the name of the Lord our God. Cathy Wood, Connections
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Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. -Psalm 91:1-2 My favorite Psalm? There are many, but during the time we find ourselves living through, I’d have to go with Psalm 91. I am so appreciative of the real-life, truthfilled picture it paints. The idea of dwelling “in the shelter of the Most High” and “resting in the shadow of the Almighty” brings comfort and peace. It causes me to trust in Him, who “is my refuge and my fortress.” Although I am far from invincible and weak on my own, with Him, in Him, I need not fear. He’s got this! Ron Hawkins, Transition Pastor
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want; he makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters; he restores my soul.
You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. – Psalm 139:1-2 When I’m feeling low, unloved, or unseen, Psalm 139 is where I turn. I love the truth of being fully known, and in that, being fully accepted and deeply loved. He never leaves me— there is nowhere I can go, nothing I can do that would cause Him to leave me. I am comforted in His knowing the number of my days; it brings me peace, especially in the uncertainties of today. It allows me to live and not be fearful. I am laid bare as He searches my heart. But instead of shunning, shaming, or abandoning me, He takes me by my hands and leads me in the way everlasting. To be so fully known, so fully loved is overwhelming and hard to fathom. But it is so beautiful and life-giving, being so cherished by our Creator! Annie Michel, Pathway Books
-Psalm 23:1-3 (RSV) When I was wandering in the wilderness of dark days in my life, I clung to these verses. Some days, this was the only thing I could pray. I was not in green pastures, but the wilderness was the place I needed to be to learn the wonders of God’s grace and learn about dying to self. While many days felt hopeless, I clung to the hope that the Lord was the only one who could restore my broken soul. The Lord has proven to be a good shepherd, indeed! James Madsen, Discipleship CPC LIFE
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Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
-Psalm 90:12
-Psalm 62:5-6
I have a soft spot in my heart for senior adults in our community. I love the fact that they are collectors of stories and experiences. I am reminded to make my days count. To love well now with what I have and not what I hope to have down the road. I want to experience life to the full with Jesus and gain that wisdom to love well and have stories to share with others as I grow.
My favorite is Psalm 62—I love how David keeps proclaiming over and over that he trusts in God, that He is his rock and foundation. It has language of surrender and assurance. When I've gone through hard times I've come back to this psalm, saying over and over: I trust you, God. You are my Rock. I find rest in you.
Van Chounlamountry, Student Ministries
Carrie Gleeson, Student Ministries
Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.
-Psalm 61:1-4 As a teenager, Psalm 61 was the first psalm I ever memorized. The powerful words of expectation and hope have always resonated with me and I have uttered these words as prayers out loud and silently hundreds of times over the years. Petey Crowder, Executive Pastor
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-Psalm 139:11-12 (ESV) I love Psalm 139, especially verses 7-12. I love the idea that there is no place I could go, no sin so great, no suffering so deep, no darkness so dark that God would not find me and be present to me. “. . . even the darkness is not dark to you.” I just love it and have come back to it many times when I feel lost and uncertain. God is with me. The darkness is not dark to Him. Emily Hamilton, Missions
He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. -Psalm 121 Psalm 121 is one of my favorite psalms because of its promise of God’s faithful presence with us. The psalm reminds us that although we are vulnerable to so much in this world, our God continually watches over us. God neither slumber nor sleeps; God is our keeper, our shield, and our protector. Recently I prayed this psalm over someone who was in the process of dying, and I felt such peace and reassurance knowing that the God who watches over her would not slumber nor sleep, but would walk with her as she passed from this world and into eternal life. Melissa Schaser, Care
I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. -Psalm 27:13-14 This psalm gives me confidence and hope in the Lord. Though the world may be against us, God is faithful and is always for us. We can be confident in that! I love how the psalm ends, encouraging us to wait for the Lord. Let your heart take courage, and wait for the Lord. Danielle Wegner, Kids Ministries CPC LIFE
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Make This a Summer of Service & Prayer
SUMMER FOOD DRIVE Tuesdays in June & July 11:00AM-1:00PM
Help us collect food and supplies for Minneapolis! Drop off items from our shopping list at CPC to be distributed to various food pantries throughout Minneapolis serving communities that have lost access to grocery stores.
MONTHLY PRAYER WALK & ZOOM DEBRIEFS June 21, July 19, & August 16
Take a prayer walk using our prompts for praying for your neighborhood and community. Then, join us for a debrief on ZOOM. GET PROMPTS
VOLUNTEER WITH THE VBS PARADE EK-OF HELP: JULY 27-30 PREP HELP: NOW-JULY 26 • WE n Bible School so that we can
We’ve pivoted our plans for Vacatio UP sible, and we need your help! SIGN safely engage as many kids as pos
WANT YOUR KID(S) TO PARTICIPATE IN THE VBS PARADE? WHO: Kids ages 3-entering 5th grade WHAT: VBS will come safely to YOU one car at a time (think VBS songs, stories, games and activities)! Your kids will have a blast as they discover how to FOCUS on God and His amazing plan for us.
WHEN: July 27-28 OR July 29-30 TIME: 1 ½ hours between 9:00AM-12:30PM OR 12:30-2:30PM COST: $10 per child
LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP
S TA FF SP OT LIGH T BEN LODAHL HOMETOWN: Sparta, WI FAMILY: wife, Robyn HOBBIES: fishing, writing music, cooking & sharing meals with people FAVORITE BOOK: Love Does by Bob Goff FAVORITE BAND: Leif Vollebekk, Ben Rector GUILTY PLEASURE: whole milk
TELL US A LIT TLE BIT A BOUT YOUR ROLE AT CPC. I oversee, guide, equip, and encourage the musicians who lead in our contemporary worship services at CPC and I also will work alongside staff leadership to develop the overall experience of our contemporary worship services. I will also be encouraging and mentoring worship leaders for Kids and Student Ministries on Wednesday nights.
W H AT DRE W YOU TO CPC? The heart and passion for music at CPC is real and has very deep roots. My understanding is that CPC was one of the first churches to start a contemporary worship service in the Twin Cities. I’m excited that the leadership now is encouraging and inviting new vision for our contemporary worship experiences, asking the questions: What does God have in store for us next? Who isn’t here yet? How are we engaging and making space for new people? How do we engage people who have been CPCers for a long time? How are we welcoming people into our community and creating an on-ramp for people to encounter Christ? I’m very passionate about being a part of a staff and community asking those questions.
W H AT A RE YOU MOS T E XCITED A BOUT IN YOUR NE W ROLE? I love that this role is very focused. I can dig really deeply into creating engaging, transforming contemporary worship experiences. I am passionate about welcoming people into and encouraging them to come to worship in order to have their hearts changed and transformed—to become more like Christ.
HOW H A S GOD UNIQUELY PREPA RED YOU FOR THIS ROLE AT CPC? I feel strongly that God has pieced together experiences in my life to bring me to this position at CPC. I grew up Catholic, but starting in high school I pursued faith communities with a wor-
ship style that was contemporary and experiential. I feel like I’ve really gained an understanding of the beauty and balance of both traditional and contemporary worship experiences. Learning about CPC and this opportunity for me in particular, it just felt that my experience was perfectly aligned to that and I’m excited for God to use me here.
W H AT A RE YOU CURRENTLY LE A RNING IN YOUR WA LK W ITH GOD? As Robyn and I were in prayer to discern if God was calling me to this role at CPC, we’ve witnessed how God’s been slowly guiding us and our circumstances. It’s not just about things “working out”; we’ve seen God’s guiding hand over all of it. I’ve been learning that God is faithful to us within our own decisions when we honor Him and want to give Him glory with the way we live our lives. I can’t wait to keep seeing that in my life.
M A N Y OF THE PSA LMS W ERE SONGS. HOW DOES MUSIC HELP US IN OUR WORSHIP OF A ND COMMUNICATION W ITH GOD? There are times when we don’t have words to say, and the partnering of music and lyrics can communicate what we’re unable to speak. I’ve found that music can uniquely connect with what I’m going through and speaks to my heart and love for the Lord. Take, for example, “How Great Thou Art.” The way the music flows, the way that it is sung, and the way it walks me through the different verses—because of how it is constructed and how the music was written—it sings of God’s greatness better than I can say it. It helps me give words to God in a way that’s powerful, engaging, and transforming. My heart changes when I sing worship music. I can feel myself being transformed. I think music is the most beautiful creation. Music actually connects our souls with the Lord in a way that I don’t think a lot of other things can.
B E N L O D A H L serves as A S S O C I A T E D I R E C T O R of CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP CPC LIFE
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C E L E B R AT I N G O U R 2
Abby Swanda
Aiden Stanley
Alexa Shinler
Amy Terwilliger
Cassie Michel
Chris Eastlund
CJ Slattery
Claire Selje
Gretchen Augdahl
Gunnar Johnson
Haakon Rondestvedt
Hannah Larson
Katie Murphy
Kirby MacMiller
Lindsay Matthews
Lindsay Nelson
Liam Anderson Aidan Anselmo Weiss Boyer Lauren Busyn
Kara Flaherty Landon Glenna Grace Goetzmann Ella Grzybowski
Bren Hausman Nikki Hoffman Kate Karlen Caroline Knowland
Will Swanda
2020 HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS!
Andrew Logan
Annika Utoft
Ben Wellborn
Bennett Dykstra
Cole Gustafson
Cole Nasby
Elle Frimat
Emma Erny
Heidi Engman
Jackson Karpinsky
Kaitlin Kraft
Katherine Heinle
Lydia Durrett
Nicholas Rewey
Sam Wellborn
Teddy Maiwurm
Tatum Olson Ellen Paradis Peyton Ritzer Grace Scott
Kacy Selje Karsten Swanson Annika Van Nest Olivia Versluis
Cole Weinstein Joe Wohlford
PHOTOGRAPHS NOT AVAILABLE: Cole Kouchoukos Asher Manhard Megan McLenighan Nick Mooers
ELDER AND DEACON ELECTION UPDATE Among the many events disrupted by COVID-19 was the springtime election of CPC’s elder and deacons. Ordinarily there would be a Special Meeting of the Congregation in May to approve the slate of nominees for both of these roles. While the Nominating Committee, elected in late 2019, was able to conduct its work despite the shelter-inplace orders, our congregation could not meet to complete the election process. According to the bylaws of CPC, congregational meetings must be held in person, with a quorum present and only after specific advance notice has been provided. There is no provision in the bylaws for anything other than a physical meeting on the CPC campus, such as a Zoom conference. Because of these complicating factors, Session voted in April on a plan for managing the election process through this period of disruption and uncertainty. The key aspects include: •P ostponing the Special Meeting of the Congregation until such time as restrictions on large gatherings have been lifted. Once restrictions are eliminated and it is possible to worship together and transact business with a quorum, then the date for the Special Meeting will be set. •E lders who would have left the Session upon the election of the incoming class of elders will continue to serve until an election can be held and the new elders are installed. The Class of 2020 fourth-year elders who have agreed to continue to serve on Session are Robbie Fast, Michelle Kranendonk, Mike Tamte, and Seth Warren. These recent events identify issues in the bylaws for how Session and CPC function during unanticipated disruptions. As a result, Session will be reviewing what changes may be needed to enable the church to function during emergency times. Any recommended changes to the bylaws will be presented to the congregation and approved at a future congregational meeting. In the meantime, the Nominating Committee is pleased to present the following nominees for Elders and Deacons:
ELDER NOMINEES FOR THE CLASS OF 2024 Karen Beadie Tim Nasby Brett Peterson Leslie Turner
DEACON NOMINEES FOR THE CLASS OF 2023 Betsy Bakke Tom Berzinski Roger Bortnem Kate Busby Erik Dahl Jane Eastlund Clayton Ellis Deb Forslund
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Rich Forslund Gary Gift Shelley Haiker Brenna Hoeg Scott Hoeg Kelly Jones Bruce Kent Alyssa Klein
Mary Jo Kline Delores Lazaretti Joe Lee Sylvia Olson Susan Schrader Stacey Stewart
BIRTHS
Molly and Paul Scarrella welcomed a daughter, Maisie Marie, on March 28. Kelsey and Alejandro Guzman welcomed a son, Ian Alejandro, on March 29.
Stan Oleson passed away on May 19 at the age of 98. Marcia Chaffee passed away on June 1 at the age of 86. She is survived by son Chris (Angela) and grandchildren Bo, Lily, and Tommy. Jane Fuller passed away on June 5 at the age of 92.
Loren and Reid Christianson welcomed a daughter, Adeline Rae, on April 9.
Keith Strandberg passed away on June 6 at the age of 82.
Lindsay and Todd Johnson welcomed a son, Walker James, on May 29.
Abbey Duehn joins the Kids’ Ministries team as Associate Director of Elementary (emphasis 2nd-3rd grade) on June 8.
MARRIAGES
STAFF UPDATES
Carrie Dent and Eric Gonzalez were married on May 9. The Rev. Richard Phenow officiated.
Andra Johnson joins the Student Ministries team as Associate Director of High School (emphasis 9th grade) on June 8.
DEATHS
Erika Sawyer joins the Kids’ Ministries team as Associate Director of Early Elementary (emphasis 3 years-1st grade) on June 16.
Antoinette “Toni” Connor passed away on April 21 at the age of 94. She is survived by son Sean (Esther).
Jane Nienaber retires at end of July (delayed one month from end of June) after 32 years of humble, faithful service to CPC. To celebrate Jane’s many years of service, we encourage you to write a card or note expressing your appreciation and well wishes for her retirement. Please send cards by July 20 to CPC, attn: Clare Anderson. (6901 Normandale Road, Edina, MN, 55435)
James C. Hanson passed away on March 10 at the age of 58. He is survived by aunt Liz (Gerry) Isaacson.
Harold Scott passed away on April 23 at the age of 78. He is survived by son Ben (Riddell) and grandchildren Maggie, Grace, and Duncan. Marilyn Ridge passed away on May 5 at the age of 94. She is survived by children Janet, Pat, and David. Judy Martin passed away on May 6 at the age of 77. She is survived by children Laura Martin Buford, Lindsay Martin McGill, and Paul Martin, and four grandchildren. Larry Laukka passed away on May 8 at the age of 84. He is survived by daughter Suzanne (Mike) Burnett. John Hibbs passed away on May 9 at the age 85. He is survived by his wife, daughter Kari (Jay) Carroll, two other children, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
FINANCIAL UPDATE
Ministry Fund Giving April 2020 Actual: $346,346 April 2020 Budget: $243,786 May 2020 Actual: $304,566 May 2020 Budget: $340,596 Missions Giving A total of $365,000 from our Ministry Fund has gone to our missions partners. Other missions giving by Special Offerings year-to-date is $450,675.
Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Kane passed away on May 17 at the age of 86. She is survived by daughter Patricia.
HELP BUILD OUR DATABASE
We want our staff to be able to better know our community as we serve and care for one another, and matching names to faces is a piece of that! Help us add photos to our database by sending an individual photo of yourself to pattik@cpconline.org. Your photo can be casual or professional, but a close up of your face is ideal! This isn’t a public database and your photo won’t be published, it’s simply a tool for our staff, and eventual new Senior Pastor, to know our community better!
CPC LIFE
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