CPC Life Lent 2020 by Christ Presbyterian Church

Does it ever feel like there just isn’t enough space in your life for all the things . . . much less for Jesus?

ur lives are so often filled to the brim—with people we love, things we have to do, stuff we think we need—that it can feel like we’re buried under a pile of obligations, commitments, routines, and busyness.

This Lent, what would it look like to think about fasting as a way to make space for Jesus and what He wants to teach us? To make space to receive God’s mercy and grace, and then respond to what He calls us to do? Not to add another burden or another “have to,” but simply to make space for God to work in our lives and to soak up the transforming reality that Christ did the only thing that really matters for us—restoring us to relationship with God through His death and resurrection.

How can you make space? The following pages share perspectives on stories of Jesus found in the gospel of John, which will be preached on during Lent.

We encourage you to read, think, and make space for what God wants you to experience.

CPC LIFE

LENT 2020

To Believe Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. . . . What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. —John 2: 7-9a, 11 (NIV) When it comes to Jesus, one thing you can count on—more times than not—is that He will do the unexpected. In John 2, Jesus is at a wedding, minding His own business when the wine runs out. So, after some prodding from His mother, Mary, He turns water into wine. It begs the question, why? Is it because He cares about a good party? Did He simply want to show people He has miraculous powers? Or could it be something else . . . something more? I think the key is in verse 11. Jesus turned water into wine not because He needed to, not because He was asked to, but so His glory would be revealed and His disciples would believe in Him. Jesus knew that keeping the rules or trying to emulate Him as they traipsed the countryside wouldn’t be what was hardest for His disciples. It would be to believe in Him. And in this passage, Jesus reveals himself as the One—not just to the religious, but to the whole world—and in turn we are invited to do the hard work of believing. Do you see His glory in your everyday? Do you believe in Him?

R O N H A W K I N S serves as TR ANSITION PASTOR

LENT 2020

CPC LIFE

To Experience Pain Jesus wept.—John 11:35 (ESV)

To Be Set Apart As he [Jesus] passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. . . . he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man's eyes with the mud and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.—John 9:1, 6-7 (ESV) Jesus wants the blind to see. In the season of Lent, as we await the cross and the wonderful Easter morning, we sit in our blindness. We wrestle with our longings, our broken desires, and the things that weigh heavy on our souls. I love that the ESV uses the word “anoint” for Jesus’ application of mud to eyes which were out of step with their created function. We use the word “anoint” to talk about special things—things that are holy, set apart. But Jesus took the ordinary, broken, frustrated eyes of this man and called out that they were meant for something more. This is what Jesus—the One who conquers sin and death—does for each and every one of us. He says we are meant for more. He looks at us in our broken condition and He sees something beautiful, something set apart, something meant for holiness. And He is the only one capable of setting change into motion.

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

This is the shortest, yet perhaps the most profound, verse in the entire Bible. Jesus’ friend Lazarus has just died. Everyone in the story, everyone reading the story, seems to know that Jesus is powerful enough to have prevented this tragedy . . . and everyone wonders why He didn’t. And Jesus, with full knowledge that He is about to raise Lazarus from the dead, still feels the pain of grief—His own and His friends’. His heart is so moved by this pain, pain that—for His friends—seems to be compounded by His seeming lack of response, that He is moved to sobs. Makoto Fujimura is a Japanese-American artist commissioned to do the gospel frontispieces for the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible. This verse was the inspiration for His work, CharisKairos (The Tears of Christ). Fujimura writes, “Tears are useless, even wasteful, if you possess the power to cause miracles. Instead [Jesus] made Himself vulnerable, stopped to feel the sting of death, to identify with frail humanity, who struggled to know hope.” The gospel teaches us that death does not have the last word, yet we live in the in-between time now: feeling death’s sting, awaiting resurrection. As Christians we believe that looking ahead towards the fulfillment of God’s promises gives us hope in the present. And this is true. But what if hope also grows, not just from looking ahead toward God’s promised future, but from the tears of Christ present with us while we wait? How does it change our experience of grief, pain, longing, and suffering to remember that Jesus takes the time to weep with us?

E M I L Y H A M I L T O N serves as P A S T O R of M I S S I O N S

CPC LIFE

LENT 2020

To Enter In Then Mary took about a pint of . . . expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. –John 12:3 (NIV) Have you ever had a friend who just got you? Someone who knows what you’re about to say before you say it? Someone who enters into the hard stuff of life with you not in an attempt to fix it, but just to be with you in it? In John 12, we see Mary living this out. At a dinner honoring Jesus— with people moving about and noise and chatter spinning around them—Mary got what was going on with Jesus. She saw His pain and entered into it in a way no one else did. It was only a few days before the Passover would start. Only a few days before Jesus would walk to the cross. He had told His disciples many times that He was going to suffer, that He would not be with them for very long. Still they did not comprehend. But Mary looked past the other people at this dinner party and understood what Jesus had told them about His fate. She walked into the room, took down her hair, and poured perfume used for burials over His feet. She then wiped them clean with her hair. Mary saw the humanness of the Savior on full display. She knew what her friend would go through, and instead of trying to fix it or pretend like it wasn’t happening, she entered into it with Him. How can you take the posture of Mary this Lenten season? How can you make space to sit at the feet of Jesus, offering up what you value out of your love for Him? What does it look like for you to enter into Jesus’ pain and suffering and understand the meaning of His walk to the cross in your everyday life?

C A R R I E G L E E S O N serves as D I R E C T O R of S T U D E N T M I N I S T R I E S

To See Our

Then he [Jesus] poured water into a basin disciples' feet and to wipe them with the around him. He came to Simon Peter, who s wash my feet?” Jesus answered him, “Wha understand now, but afterward you will und him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus not wash you, you have no share with me.”

John is the only gospel to record the s the disciples’ feet at the Last Supper—a might be odd to us, it is really another to the cross to die for our sins. In vers to having Jesus wash his feet. On some serve than to be served. We are so res need for help, much less our need for Jesus responds to Peter’s resistance b wash you, you have no share with me.” much more than the physical washing moment. He is saying that unless we let Him die on the cross for our sins and that comes from putting our trust in Him. Jesus came to do for us wha ourselves. But Jesus does not end t lay down our lives for others, just as dying to self and living for others. The suffering. Ann Voskamp says, “A Chris comfortably shaped life, but a cross-sh us to receive His grace and then lay d others may experience that grace! Th Jesus is seen in our love for others.

JAMES MADSEN P A S T O R of D I S C I

LENT 2020

CPC LIFE

r Need

n and began to wash the towel that was wrapped said to him, “Lord, do you at I am doing you do not derstand.” Peter said to us answered him, “If I do —John 13:5-8 (ESV)

story of Jesus washing and while this behavior picture of Jesus going se 8, Peter is resistant e level, we’d all rather sistant to showing our r someone to save us. by saying, “If I do not ” Jesus is talking about g of Peter’s feet in that t Jesus cleanse us—let receive the cleansing n Him—we are not of at we cannot do for there. He calls us to s He did for us. Love is ere is no love without st-shaped life is not a haped life.” Jesus calls down our lives so that he fruit of our faith in

serves as IPLESHIP

To Love Sacrificially “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another.” —John 13:34 (ESV) On the surface, the meaning of this passage of Scripture may seem obvious: Jesus calls us to love one another. But what does that really mean? Many people of other faiths and nonbelievers would likely agree that the world is better when people love one another. So what makes this passage distinctively central to the Christian faith? Let’s jump back to the Old Testament where we are first instructed to love one another in Leviticus 19:18, which says: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” As a Jewish teacher and leader, Jesus would have known this passage by heart. Indeed, Jesus even quotes Leviticus 19:18 directly in both Matthew 22:37-39 and Mark 12:30-31. From the very beginning, God desired for us to love one another and to treat one another as we ourselves desire to be loved and treated. This means we ought to be considerate of one another, to help one another, and to share with each other out of our abundance. Jesus’ “new commandment” sounds rather similar to the commandment given in Leviticus 19:18, but it is, in fact, “new.” We can discover how by reading John 13:34 in its context. The first half of John 13 is the story of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet. Foot washing in the ancient world was a ritual that demonstrated humility and service, and no one would expect their leader, mentor, teacher, and Messiah to do it! But Jesus does. He shows us what loving one another looks like, and this picture is “new” because it is sacrificial.

While Leviticus instructs us to love our neighbors “as ourselves,” Jesus demonstrates how to love one another beyond ourselves — beyond our comfort, our pride, and how we believe we ought to be treated. We are meant to lay down our lives for one another. The fullness of the sacrificial love that Jesus had for His disciples, which led Him to teach them, to serve them, and to lay down His life for them, is now handed over to us in the command that we love one another, just as He has loved us. When our identities are rooted in dependence on God, we are able to serve one another because we ourselves have received the greatest sacrificial love of all: the forgiveness and grace of God through Jesus laying His life down on our behalf. When we recognize that we are not our own, that we are created by a Creator and our lives were bought at a very high price, only then can we offer this sacrificial love to others. Who is God calling you to love today? Not just on the surface, and not out of abundance, but who is God calling you to serve sacrificially? It may be a friend, a co-worker, a family member, a neighbor. Take time today to pray for that person and to ask the Holy Spirit what it would mean for you to follow Jesus’ command to love them with deep, sacrificial love.

MELISSA SCHASER serves as P A S T O R of CONGREGATION A L CA RE CPC LIFE

LENT 2020

Sunday, March 8 • 9:00AM-1:00PM Celebrate 10 years of CPC partnership with World Vision in Moyo, Zambia!

Join us for a multi-experiential impact event to learn, engage, celebrate, and pray for our World Vision partnership. • • • • •

an all-new virtual reality experience inspirational stories note-writing prayer singing and dancing

This event is open to everyone and is accessible for all ages!

Saturday, April 4 • 9:30-11:30AM • CPC Bring friends and join CPCers for our World Vision Walk for Water to support our friends in Zambia. We’ll walk 6K on a course around our campus— the distance most walk for access to water. Your registration fee of $50* will provide clean water for one person for life! Sign up: cpconline.org/events *Kids and students under 18 can participate at no cost.

HOLY WEEK EVENTS Maundy Thursday

Thursday, April 9 at 7:00PM This dramatic traditional service marks the Last Supper and Crucifixion with Scripture lessons, artwork, lighting, the Sacrament of Holy Communion, music by the Chancel Choir, and a meditation from James Madsen. Childcare: 6 weeks-3 years.

Good Friday

Friday, April 10 at 7:00PM A service that journeys through the drama and emotion Jesus’ followers felt at the time of His death. Includes Scripture readings and Communion. Childcare: 6 weeks-3 years.

Easter Prayer Vigil

Saturday, April 11 at 6:00AM-9:00PM in the Chapel Come participate in contemplative and interactive prayer stations in the Chapel on Holy Saturday. As a community, we’ll focus on the internal waiting we experience between Good Friday and Easter, the power of the Holy Spirit in resurrection, and a global focus of prayer over our Easter offering. No childcare.

Easter Watchnight

Saturday, April 11 at 9:00PM Worship in the dark, based on the ancient Easter vigil service with a candle processional, Scripture lessons, music, Communion, and the Renewal of Baptismal Vows. A unique and powerful way to start the Easter celebration! No childcare.

Easter Services are listed on the back page. EASTER OFFERING 2020

EMPOWERING

Sustainability After walking alongside World Vision for 10 years in Moyo, Zambia, we are in the final phase of holistic development that will lead this community to sustainability. Our offering will be used to purchase hands-on tools (such as solar panels), equip local leaders, and prepare the Moyo community for the transition toward self-sufficiency.

TO GIVE, MARK “EASTER OFFERING” IN YOUR CHECK MEMO LINE, OR GIVE ONLINE AT CPCONLINE.ORG/EASTER-OFFERING.

HAPPENINGS EVENTS FIRST STEPS

Sunday, March 1 • 10:30AM & 12:00PM • Room 200 Want to learn more about our church, staff, and programs? This short, informal gathering is a great time to hear about our community and how to get connected!

MID-MONTH CHAPEL SERVICE

Wednesday, March 18 • 12:00PM • Chapel A traditional service with a short message by Pastor Ron Hawkins, hymns, Communion, and prayers. Lunch follows in the Westview Room.

MOYO MUBOTU

Sunday, March 8 • 9:00AM-1:00PM With the onset of our Lenten season, we are privileged to celebrate 10 years of partnership with the community of Moyo, Zambia through World Vision! Join us for this CPC impact event, including an all-new virtual reality experience, inspirational stories, note-writing, prayer, singing, and dancing. This event is open to everyone! At a self-guided pace, individuals and families can make their way through different stations that help them learn, engage, celebrate, and pray for our World Vision partnership.

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE

Friday, March 13 • 6:00-8:00PM • Westview Author Amy Peterson will speak on “How Kindness Can Mend the World.” She’ll help us think spiritually and practically about what it means to be kind and loving in a time of polarization and anger. A light supper of soup and salad will be served. Plus, CPC staff member Ashley Crowder will share her faith story. Cost: $25. Sign up: cpconline.org/events

NAVIGATORS LIFE-TO-LIFE® DISCIPLESHIP CONFERENCE

Saturday, March 28 • 9:00AM-3:00PM • CPC What does discipleship really mean? Join CPC local missions partner, Navigators MSP, for a day-long conference that will foster growth and refreshment for all of us as disciples of Jesus. Dig into the Scriptures and explore God’s plan to empower each of us as His sons and daughters, touching the lives of our neighbors with a ripple effect into the nations. For families with young children (5th grade and under), there is a dynamic kids’ discipleship track and a bouncy castle. Sign up: cpconline.org/events

CPC INTERGENERATIONAL CHOIR

Wednesdays, April 1, 8, 15, 22 • 5:40-6:25PM • Choir Room Calling all singers—Kindergarten through senior adults! Kids, parents, teenagers, grandparents, single adults, couples . . . all are welcome! Experience this one-of-a-kind choir singing praises to God across the generations. Choir sings on Sunday, April 26. No cost and no prior experience needed! Kids age K-3rd grade must be joined by a parent, guardian, or older sibling. Sign up: cpconline.org/events

EASTER FLOWERS

Due by Friday, April 3 On Easter, our worship spaces are filled with flowers representing new life in Christ. Donate toward the purchase of plants in memory or honor

LENT 2020

CPC LIFE

of loved ones. Following Easter, plants are delivered to local seniors. Cost: $20/plant. Complete a form at the Blue Wall, Main Office, or online: cpconline.org/events

WALK FOR WATER

Saturday, April 4 • 9:30-11:30AM • CPC Participate in our World Vision Walk for Water to support providing access to clean water through World Vision's programs in Zambia. We’ll walk 6K, acknowledging the experience of those who can’t just “turn on the tap,” but instead must walk about that distance to access water, which may not be clean and safe. Cost: $50 (donated to World Vision clean water projects). Sign up: cpconline.org/events

HOLY WEEK EVENTS

Thursday, April 9-Saturday, April 11 Maundy Thursday Service: Thursday, April 9 • 7:00PM • Sanctuary Good Friday Service: Friday, April 10 • 7:00PM • Sanctuary Easter Prayer Vigil: Saturday, April 11 • 6:00AM-9:00PM • Chapel Easter Watchnight Service: Saturday, April 11 • 9:00PM • Sanctuary See page 9 for full details.

EASTER CELEBRATION SERVICES

Saturday/Sunday, April 11/12 Easter Saturday Contemporary: Saturday, April 11 • 5:15PM Easter Sunrise: Sunday, April 12 • 6:00AM Easter Traditional: Sunday, April 12 • 8:00 & 9:15AM Easter Contemporary: Sunday, April 12 • 10:30 & 11:45AM See back page for full details.

KIDS FAMILY COMMUNION WORKSHOP

Sunday, April 26 • 4:00-6:00PM • Westview Kids and their parents discover both the biblical beginnings and CPC’s tradition of taking Communion, including a kid-friendly Seder dinner. All ages welcome. Cost $5 per person. Sign up: cpconline.org/events

2020 SUMMER CAMPS

Sign up: cpconline.org/events Hope Shores: June 14-19 • kids entering 3rd-5th grade VBS: July 13-16 • kids age 3-entering 5th grade Musical Theater Camp: July 27-30 • kids entering 1st-6th grade Summer Blitz: August 5 • kids entering 3rd-5th grade

2020 SUMMER FAMILY EVENTS No registration required. Summer Launch Picnic: June 7 Meet Us at the Pool: June 25

WEEKEND PROGRAMMING

No registration required, but kids attending programming must check in at the Family Check-In area. More details at cpconline.org/weekend-programs. Saturday 5:15PM service: Loving childcare provided (6 weeks3 years). Sunday 9:30 and 11:00AM services:

CPCONLINE.ORG • 952.920.8515 Nursery (6-weeks-2 years): Loving childcare provided. 2-Year-Olds-Preschool: Families may choose to keep their child with them at the beginning of the service OR take them directly to their classrooms. 2-year-olds are in Room 116 and preschool classrooms are on the 2nd floor. Elementary: At 9:30AM we offer Sunday school for kids (K-5th) on the 3rd floor. Kids can be dropped off before the beginning of the service OR they can attend the beginning of worship with their families. At 11:00AM all elementary kids begin in the service with their families, and then are dismissed for Kids’ Church. K-3rd is in Room 116; 4th-5th grade is in Room 306. There will be no elementary programming on Communion Sundays, March 1 & April 5.

COMMITMENT CLASS RETREAT

Friday, April 17-Sunday, April 19 This amazing weekend away is a mandatory component of Commitment Class. More details and registration will be posted online and sent out to parents via email in early March. Sign up: cpconline.org/events

TEN12

Wednesdays (no program March 25 & April 1) • 7:45-9:00 PM • Westview A great night full of fun and an authentic space for kids to just be themselves. We start the night in Westview for large group learning followed by small ericaf@cpconline.org group time to process what was just heard.

SPECIAL NEEDS

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: CHOIR & CLUB

(no programming March 25 & April 1) Dinner (5:00-5:30PM for choir families & 5:30-6:15PM): Enjoy dinner with your family and fellowship with other CPCers at our weekly dinner. Food options rotate. Cost: $5/person. Choir for K-5th graders (5:30-6:15PM): Kids develop a love for music, learn biblical truths, and improve musical and dramatic skills, all while praising God! Choir kids registered for Club will be guided to the MPR for pre-Club activities. The last day of K-5 choir is March 18. The Intergenerational Choir starts rehearsing April 1. Club for K-5th graders (6:25-7:30PM): With this year’s theme, “Around the World with Jesus,” kids are growing in their understanding about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus as they cross cultures traveling from one destination to the next. March 18 is Club Fun night—invite a friend to join the fun! Sign up: cpconline.org/kids Cost: $20 for Choir; $20 for Club; or $35 for both Choir and Club

STUDENTS

TAPESTRY

Tuesday, March 3 (Anderson Hall), Tuesdays, March 17, 31, & April 14 (Fellowship Hall) • 6:30-7:30PM 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, and fun. On March 3, we’ll have fun moving our bodies with Zumba and enjoying some healthy smoothies. We’ll celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 with a green theme. On March 31, join us for a luau with a limbo dance contest. And on April 14, we’ll practice for our talent show. vanc@cpconline.org

MOSAIC WORSHIP SERVICE

Sunday, March 15 • 10:45AM • Westview Mosaic 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! Brunch is provided following worship for a time of fellowship and vanc@cpconline.org food.

2020 SUMMER CAMPS

Sign up: cpconline.org/events SIX8 Serves: June 10, July 22, August 19 • students entering 6th-8th grade Rockslide: June 22-25 • students entering 6th-8th grade Quest: July 6-10 • students entering 9th grade Mission Michigan: June 14-19 • students entering 9th-12th grade Summit: August 1-7 • students entering 10th-12th grade

MIDDLE SCHOOL SIX8

Wednesdays (no program March 25 & April 1) • 6:25-7:30PM • Westview A high-energy, engaging program for 6th-8th grade students. Sign up: cpconline.org/students joshm@cpconline.org or brooksw@cpconline.org

HIGH SCHOOL COMMITMENT CLASS

Wednesdays (no program March 25 & April 1) • 7:45-9:00PM • Anderson Hall A night of fun, large-group learning and small-group discussion for 9th graders. Sign up: cpconline.org/students ashleyc@cpconline.org

ADULTS MIXED SUNDAY COMMUNITIES

Sundays • 9:30 or 10:45AM Sunday Communities foster a sense of belonging and growth with people of similar life stages through fellowship and discussion-based teaching.

• E3: millennial couples (9:30AM - Room 116) • CATALYST: married couples with young kids (9:30AM - Room 201/202) • ALLOY: mostly 30s-40s (9:30AM - Room 205) • S.A.L.T.: late 40s-60s (9:30AM - Fellowship Hall East) • A.C.T.S.: late 50s & up (9:20AM - Fellowship Hall Center) • MORE: active retired folks (10:45AM - Fireside Room) • CREDO: intergenerational (10:45AM - Room 10) Learn more: cpconline.org/sunday-communities

IN THE WORD

Mondays • 9:30-11:30AM • Room 116 OR Tuesdays • 7:00-8:30PM • Room 116 James Madsen leads this intergenerational discussion-oriented class for men and women. In March we begin a new study on 1 Peter followed by a study of 1 John after Easter. This class focuses on how to apply the power of the Gospel in our daily lives. Sign up: cpconline.org/classes CPC LIFE

LENT 2020

HAPPENINGS

SHORT-TERM LENTEN SMALL GROUP

Tuesdays, March 3-April 7 • 7:00-8:15PM • CPC Join us for our 6-week Lenten group discussing a Bible study written by CPC pastors Emily Hamilton and James Madsen titled God’s Grace is Always Going. In one direction, God’s grace goes deep within us to help us see our sin, repent, and exercise faith, which leads us to joy. Then as we experience God’s grace for ourselves, God’s grace also goes in another direction, leading us outward to see opportunities to love and serve beyond ourselves. This short-term group is a great way to connect with others and try a small group experience. Sign up: cpconline.org/events

WEDNESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY

Wednesdays • 11:00AM-12:00PM • Room 303 Rick Byron leads this lively discussion on the book of Romans. We meet every Wednesday except when Edynamoes is held. debc@cpconline.org

SUPERNATURAL PARENTING

Wednesdays • 6:30-7:30PM • Room 10 Grow as a family in faith this year! Join other parents for fellowship and learning while your kids are at Club. Childcare provided. Cost: $15. Sign up: cpconline.org/classes

SMALL GROUPS

NEEDLEWORK GUILD

Saturdays, March 14 & April 11 • 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. Edie Kosa at 952.920.1753

MOM’S MORNING (for moms of young children) LARGE GROUP Wednesdays March 11 & April 8 • 9:30-11:30AM • Westview On March 11, The Zero Abuse Project will share how to talk to our children about personal safety without scaring them, and how to replace myths with facts. On April 8, hear from Natalia Terfa, an ELCA Lutheran pastor, author, and podcast host. She will speak to us about “liminal space”: the “in between” place that we tend to run past quickly on our way to the next shiny and sparkly thing. Program cost: $30; childcare cost: $25/child. Sign up: cpconline.org/moms-morning TUESDAY AFTERNOON WOMEN’S STUDY

Tuesdays • 1:00-2:30PM • Fireside Room Carolyn Beatty leads an in-depth study of the Gospel of Luke. Participants will use the ESV Scripture Journal available in Pathway for $6. This group generates lively discussions and cares for one another. Carolyn Beatty at 612.729.3143

Connect with others and deepen your relationship with Jesus. For more details and to sign up: cpconline.org/groups

SMALL GROUPS

• Couples with Kids: First Thursdays • 7:00-8:30PM • Member homes • Soul Keepers (50s & Up): Every other Wednesday • 7:00-8:30PM • St. Louis Park • 20s & 30s: Every other Thursday • 7:00-8:30PM • Hopkins • Christ in Career: 1st & 3rd Saturdays • 8:30-10:00AM • CPC

• 30-Somethings: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays • 6:00-8:00PM • CPC • Titus 2 Women: 1st, 3rd, & 5th Wednesdays • 9:30-11:30AM • CPC • 60s and Still Growing: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays • 1:00-2:30PM • CPC

MEN SMALL GROUPS

Connect with others and deepen your relationship with Jesus. For more details and to sign up: cpconline.org/groups • Tuesday Morning Group: Tuesdays • 7:00-8:00AM • CPC • The Dads’ Group: Wednesdays • 6:30-7:30PM • CPC • Thursday Morning Groups: Thursdays • 7:00-8:00AM • CPC • Friday Guys’ Group: Fridays • 6:10-7:00AM • Calvary Church • SAM (Saturday AM) Group: Saturdays • 8:00-9:30AM • CPC

WOMEN WOMEN IN THE WORD

Mondays, March 9-May 4 (no meetings March 23 & April 13) • 9:3011:30AM • Anderson Hall Join us for a study by Beth Moore called Stepping Up: A Journey Through the Psalms of Ascent. Grow in intimacy with God as you study these psalms that were sung by pilgrims traveling to the great festivals of the Jews. Sessions include DVD teaching, small group conversation, fellowship, and prayer. Cost: $15. Sign up: cpconline.org/classes

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

LARGE GROUP Thursdays, March 5 & April 9 • 12:00-1:15PM • Anderson Hall In March, Dr. Linda Solie encourages our hearts with her talk, “Taking Charge of Women’s Depression and Anxiety.” In April, Joe Cavanaugh will address “Raising Young People of Character—Helping Teens to Value Respect and Integrity in Their Daily Lives.” Cost: $5 per event at the door. cpconline.org/moms-in-the-middle

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CPC LIFE

Connect with others and deepen your relationship with Jesus. For more details and to sign up: cpconline.org/groups

WEDNESDAY NIGHT MOMS’ GROUP

Wednesdays • 6:30-7:30PM • CPC This is a perfect opportunity for moms whose kids are involved in Wednesday night programming. Moms who periodically volunteer with Wednesday night programming could also join us as you are able. Come connect with other moms and grow together in faith. Childcare is provided for 6 weeks through PreK.

OLDER ADULTS 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

March 22 • 7:00PM • Westview Please join us for a presentation on “Jesus' Last Passover: The Feast that Changed the World Forever” from Thom Berkowitz, teaching director of Community Bible Study, frequent guest on Faith Radio, and a Messianic Jew. Hosted by Horizons, this event is open to all. Sign up: cpconline.org or christines@cpconline.org

EDYNAMOES

Wednesday, March 25 • 11:30AM • Fellowship Hall Bomp! is a fun-loving doo-wop quartet with a barbershop flavor who will be providing light and bright musical entertainment after a delicious lunch. Please bring Jerry's cash receipts and pop/can tabs. Cost: $5. Sign up by Sunday, March 22: Cleo Wedge at 952.922.2769

CPCONLINE.ORG • 952.920.8515

CARE GROUPS 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 rgarton1@msn.com other.

GRIEF RECOVERY

Tuesday, March 10 • 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 and prayer, and sharing a meal. Michelle Durrett will be the guest speaker. No reservation needed. michelled@cpconline.org

GRACE & HOPE FOR OUR CHILDREN

Tuesday, March 17 • 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 dbrown@dcbrowninc.com guest speakers.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

Friday, March 13 (Anderson Hall) & Saturday, March 28 (Fireside Room) • 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. 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

SERVE HERE TREEHOUSE OPPORTUNITIES

Tuesday, March 10 • 6:00PM • Fellowship Hall Come hear TreeHouse Edina Area Director Michelle Livingston share about her passion for and work with TreeHouse and learn how you can get involved.

LOVE JESUS AND LOVE KIDS?

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

A.R.M.S. (Active Retired Men Serving) VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Thursdays • 8:00AM-12:00PM • donuts and coffee at 10:00AM This dedicated group works on various projects to keep the building in prime condition! Men and women of all ages and skill levels are welcome. noelc@cpconline.org

NEAR BLOOMINGTON LOAVES & FISHES

Fridays, March 20 & April 17 • Third Friday of the month, year-round; Meal Prep: 2:00-4:00PM, Serve: 5:00-7:00PM • Creekside Community Center Individuals, small groups, and families with children are welcome to volunteer and serve a hot meal to those in need. Meal prep is best for volunteers ages 16 and older while serving is best for volunteers ages 7 and older. Sign up: cpconline.org/events

FAR UPCOMING GO!TRIPS

GO!Trips are CPC’s short-term service and vision trips to see, love, and serve God's people. When we retreat from our everyday lives, we learn more about ourselves and the character of Christ. We practice thinking, praying, listening, and speaking like Jesus, opening our hearts to how God may lead us to engage with our families, workplaces, church, and community. Is God asking you to GO? June 13-22 Israel-Palestine with Nazareth Evangelical College and Yohanna Katanacho June 15-19 Benton Harbor, Michigan (for entering 9th-12th graders) June 22-27 Colombia with Opportunity International October 15-18 NEW! Civil Rights Journey to the American South November 15-25 NEW! South Asia with CPC’s local partner Dates subject to change. Learn more at: cpconline.org/serve-far.

ENGLISH SKYPE PROGRAM

with Opportunity International Emprendedora School-Nicaragua

March 16-June 26 (Easter break April 6-10) OR July 13-October 30 Mastering conversational English puts Nicaraguan students at a significant hiring advantage when they graduate. Become a volunteer to participate in 30-minute Skype video calls on Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays and help students develop their vocabulary, pronunciation, and confidence. Volunteers can sign up to have a weekly call or to be an occasional (or more frequent) sub. Volunteers do not need to know any Spanish. janicesrnec@yahoo.com

Sunday, March 29 • 10:30AM & 12:00PM • Blue Wall Connect with TreeHouse Edina staff after worship to learn about volunteer opportunities for the new TreeHouse Edina location at CPC!

FAMILIES MOVING FORWARD

March 22-29 It is our privilege to serve homeless families during their stay at CPC by providing a welcoming atmosphere, a hot meal, and a place to rest and recharge. Set up bedrooms, provide a meal, bring cheer to the children, be an overnight host, or do laundry. Sign up: cpconline.org/events CPC LIFE

LENT 2020

CPCers share about Insight Trip to Istanbul

Celebrating the ministry of Pastor Rich Phenow

Worship during IF:Gathering

Roasting and toasting Pastor Rich

BIRTHS

Maggie and Alex Jones welcomed a daughter, Adele Evelyn, on December 21. Kate and Luke Sabbann welcomed a son, Levi, on January 11. Andrea and Adam Miller welcomed a son, Henry Eustin, on January 15. Jess and Jesse Schelitzche welcomed a son, Nash Royal, on February 6.

MARRIAGES

Marisa Griner and Tim Rockford were married on February 15. Sara Strommen and Michael Weidler were married on February 16. The Rev. James Madsen officiated. Jillian Hirschfeld and Brian Neppl were married on February 22. The Rev. Debbie Manning officiated.

JoAnne (McGinnity) Farrell passed away on January 28 at the age of 82. She is survived by daughter Jane (Greg Smith). Dorothy Hoffman passed away on January 31 at the age of 95. She is survived by daughter Julie (Andy) Turnbull. Sally Norris passed away on February 7 at the age of 91. She is survived by daughter Jackie (Jeff) Conrad. Josephine Tollefson passed away on February 20 at the age of 81. She is survived by children Jodi (Mark) Bjerke, Kari (Pete) Espinosa, and John (JoAnn).

RECENTLY HOSPITALIZED Harry Baker Marilyn Pertl

STAFF UPDATES

DEATHS

Jane Nienaber is retiring at the end of June. Jane has served with heart, faith, and passion as CPC’s organist for 32 years.

Chuck Wellnitz passed away on January 7 at the age of 89. He is survived by daughter Cate Faulkner.

Pastor Rich Phenow leaves his position as Senior Associate Pastor of Congregational Care on March 1. As Rich follows God’s call to a new ministry opportunity, we thank God for the work He has done in the lives of our community through Rich’s 34 years of ministry at CPC.

Doris Knutson passed away on December 29 at the age of 95. She is survived by son Dean.

Donna LaHaye passed away on January 9 at the age of 83. She is survived by son Mike (Anita). Gail Hampson passed away on January 14 at the age of 81. Judie Dale passed away on January 16 at the age of 68. She is survived by daughter Jen (Rich) Larson. Shirley Krueger passed away on January 17 at the age of 79. She is survived by son Joseph (Lynn). William “Willie” Lovitt passed away on January 18 at the age of 93. He is survived by son Joe (Jenny) Lovitt. Dr. John Ellis passed away on January 20 at the age of 90. He is survived by his wife Marlene. Doris Nielson passed away on January 20 at the age of 94. She is survived by her husband Brooks.

FINANCIAL UPDATE

Ministry Fund Revenue/Expense Update December 2019 Fiscal YTD revenue actual: $3,019,711 December 2019 Fiscal YTD revenue budget: $2,964,459 January 2020 Fiscal YTD revenue actual: $3,530,938 January 2020 Fiscal YTD revenue budget: $3,284,032 YTD (1/31/2020) We are ahead on giving revenue by $246,906 We are under on expenses by $84,658 Missions YTD Missions Giving* (Special Offering): $ 319,990 * above and beyond missions’ dollars we budget from the Ministry Fund for our partners. CPC fiscal year 2020 began June 1, 2019 and ends May 31, 2020.

CPC LIFE

LENT 2020

EASTER CELEBRATION SERVICES Easter Saturday – Contemporary

Saturday, April 11 • 5:15PM • Sanctuary A Saturday evening version of the Sunday morning Easter Contemporary worship, led by the Contemporary Worship Team, with a meditation from Melissa Schaser. No childcare.

Easter Sunday – Sunrise Sunday, April 12 • 6:00AM • Westview or outside (if weather permits) As the sun rises, we celebrate the resurrection with singing, Communion, and a meditation from Ron Hawkins. No childcare.

Easter Sunday – Traditional Sunday, April 12 • 8:00 & 9:15AM • Sanctuary Traditional services celebrating the resurrection with music by the choir and instruments, and a meditation from Melissa Schaser. Childcare: 6 weeks-3 years.

Easter Sunday – Contemporary Sunday, April 12 at 10:30 & 11:45AM • Sanctuary The Contemporary Worship Team leads a celebration of the resurrection, with a meditation from Melissa Schaser. Childcare: 6 weeks-3 years.