N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 7
Let the Word of Christ—the Message— have the run of the house.
GIVE IT PLENTY OF ROOM IN YOUR LIVES
... Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.
COLOSSIANS 3:15-17
C U LT I VAT I N G A PAUS E
find that I can enjoy so much: the little girl screaming with delight as she launches into the leaves; the smell and savor of a fabulous meal; the ecstasy of roaring with 66,000 others at US Bank Stadium. But enjoying an experience isn’t the same as being thankful. What is needed is the notion to cultivate. Cultivating implies bringing to fruition something that’s possible, yet will not happen without intentionality. So to cultivate thanks in our lives means cultivating a pause. Before I run to the next item on my agenda, I need to acknowledge the gift within the great experience: the gift of life itself for that little girl in the leaf pile, the invitation to share a meal, the friends who gave us tickets to the game. The pause to give thanks makes all the difference. Researchers say keeping a gratitude journal for two weeks can positively affect your outlook for months. Choosing to be thankful can alleviate anxiety and depression and improve physical health. Gratitude can transform relationships with family, friends, and even coworkers by dem-
onstrating appreciation and strengthening connections. These benefits are not surprising when we consider that gratitude, in essence, is a spiritual discipline. It is something we need to practice. Henri Nouwen wrote, “The choice for gratitude rarely comes without some real effort. But each time I make it, the next choice is a little easier, a little freer, a little less self-conscious. Every gift I acknowledge reveals another and another until, finally, even the most normal, obvious, and mundane event or encounter is filled with grace.” Yet life’s not simple, is it? Gratitude helps us see life as a gift . . . but what happens when thanksgiving for my blessings bumps against a hurting world? I’m thankful for the pleasure of a hot meal, but families near and far are dying of hunger. I’m grateful for eight hours of solid sleep in a warm and comfortable bed, while refugees fleeing death in Syria sleep on the ground. I believe everything good in life is a gift from God, but why do I have gifts others don’t have? For me,
gratitude collides with the problem of suffering. Somehow, I need a way for cultivating thanks that doesn’t fuel my guilt but rather my generosity. Sister Joan Chittister says, “Cultivating thankfulness convinces us how much we have. When we realize we have enough, in fact more than enough, we have freedom to be generous rather than guarded. Being grateful for the times we have come through suffering, worry, or fear with the help of other people helps us to see that we can be those people.” We can be the reason for someone else’s gratitude whenever we take action, however small. We know something can be done, because someone has done something for us, and we’re grateful! “So whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17).
J O H N C R O S B Y serves as S E N I O R P A S T O R
CPC LIFE
| NOVEMBER 2017
3
70 people joined us for our September breakfast to learn about the realities of human trafficking in the Twin Cities. Join the Super Bowl outreach! sourcemn.org/ the-purple-light-campaign
Fun fact! Each year, every CPC member household receives a checkin phone call from a representative on our Deacon Board.
FROM THE LIFE OF OUR CHURCH
Since 2012, 695 volunteer slots have been filled for Families Moving Forward, our ministry for those experiencing homelessness. Help make Christmas beautiful for families when they stay at CPC from December 24-31. cpconline.org/events
Students meet before school at a local Starbucks on the last Friday of every month for “Frappuccino Friday!” Then they hop on the CPC bus and get shuttled to Edina High School for class.
Senior Commitment Class leaders gather every other Friday morning before school to have a “Lady Leader Prayer Group.”
A small group of freshman boys collected $125 one Wednesday night to put toward the offering! We only had five adult volunteers in Sunday morning kids’ programming last year. Now we have 117! (And we still need more! Email tammym@cpconline.org.)
Our 4th and 5th grade Wednesday night girls’ class has memorized three different verses in four weeks of programming!
2-year-olds to 5th graders are on the same Sunday and Wednesday curriculum to promote family faith conversations at home.
Knowing that rooms were scarce on Wednesday nights due to construction,
The Dads’ Group camped out on the north lawn for the first few weeks of programming. cpconline.org/men
THE ART OF
G R AT I T U D E magine going to your mailbox on a bright, chilly fall day, and as you pull out the impersonal ads and the dreaded bills, among the mess you find (gasp!) a real, live, hand-addressed note! As rare as a unicorn! To you!
Writing notes is a joy, but it is also a habit I have cultivated over time. It starts with learning to pay attention to the gifts and contributions of those around us. I keep a stash of cards on hand and try to write several a week.
One of my favorite verses is Zechariah 4:10, which tells us not to despise the day of small things. A note is a “small thing” that can have a huge impact. Whenever I notice anything positive, I love writing a note of affirmation to the person who comes to mind. Many times the recipient of a note has remarked on the perfect timing of its arrival—it came when they were feeling most discouraged or overlooked. That’s God at work through a “small thing.”
“Way to go!” notes are fun, but sometimes the Lord will bring to mind someone I need to write an apology to. Other times, it’s a discipline of grace. Today someone came to mind who I really did not want to write to. It was a person who has been critical of John’s decisions, but that doesn’t diminish the contributions this person has made to the Kingdom. I said, “Really, Lord?” but then I thought of Colossians 4:6: “Let your conversation be always full of grace.” In spite of my conflicted emotions, I could sincerely write a note of affirmation.
John and I both have a drawer where we save special notes that have been meaningful and encouraging to us. As I think about them, there are several characteristics they have in common: 1. They are unexpected. They don't come as an obligatory thank-you note after giving a gift or hosting a meal. They come as a delightful surprise. 2. They are specific. They don't contain general niceness but often include personal examples. 3. They require attention, intention, and forethought. Encouragers see the imago Dei [image of God] in others and call it out.
Will you join me as a faith community and do as Paul commanded us: “encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)? Notes are a small way to do that.
L A U R A C R O S B Y blogs at L A U R A C R O S B Y. M E
CPC LIFE
| NOVEMBER 2017
5
M
y spouse and I have grown in our understanding of what it means to give financially over the past several years. I admit, it’s really hard to go from giving nothing to giving a percentage of your income to the church. So for us, it was a gradual change of trying to do just a little more each year. Honestly, when we first joined the church, we were giving $50 a month. Then, as we became more involved, we wanted to become more invested in the church. We didn’t want to be consumers; we wanted to be involved in the mission of the church. We believe that CPC is changing people, helping them grow in Christ so that we are multiplying the number of people who can be the hands and feet of Jesus outside our church walls. There are two points that best summarize our perspective on giving. The first is that tithing is giving back to God what the Bible calls our “first fruits”—giving something right off the top of your income versus waiting to see what you have left over. Everyone talks about how you need to put money in your savings account first before other things. Tithing is like paying God first. The second piece is the flip side of tithing: God lets you keep 90%! This made me see how blessed we are and how generous God is. That was very eye-opening to me.
Money tends to be one of my idols. So for me, giving is a constant reminder that I’m not going through life on my own power but on God’s power. My security is not in the size of my bank account, but in how great my God is. And I’m not relying on what the world tells me to rely on. It’s a way to show I have faith in God and in His promises. We are basically giving back to God what is already God’s. I feel joy in what He has blessed us with, and we get to share that blessing with others! Guilt is not part of the equation. Finding contentment and gratitude for what we have is the biggest blessing of all. The author of this article has been a member of CPC for nearly 20 years.
6
NOVEMBER 2017
|
CPC LIFE
HOW TO
GENEROSITY Most of us long to be generous—and yet we hesitate to take the steps necessary to begin giving in an intentional way. So many things can hold us back—debt, college savings, retirement, car maintenance, a trip. We don’t say “no,” we say “later.” And we sincerely mean it. BUT MONTHS BECOME YEARS, AND “ L AT E R ” K E E P S G E T T I N G D E L AY E D. We have to be intentional to cultivate generosity in our lives. This year, our goal is to have 100% participation in our ministry fund by our regular attenders and members. Together, we can all be a part of what is being cultivated here at CPC!
1 2 3
Pick up “Cultivating Generosity.” Use this simple road map as a tool to help you think strategically about your giving. Listen to God. Take time to pray and reflect on what God is calling you to give. AKE ACTION! Commitment cards will be mailed in November and T can be found in the pew racks. You can set up your automated giving at: cpconline.org/give
CPC LIFE
| NOVEMBER 2017
7
FA I T H S T O RY: DA L E H OW E
efore I was baptized, I thought Christianity was a bunch of hooey, I really did. But I knew something was missing. The life of sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll just wasn’t working! Tim Geoffrion, who worked for TreeHouse, suggested I come to CPC. I thought, I’ve got nothing to lose. I’ll see what these phonybaloneys are up to. And when I first came, I felt really weird and wondered how all these people could believe this stuff. But then God convicted me. I talked to Pastor Rich Phenow and told him I wanted to be baptized. He asked me why I wanted to do this, and I said, “I think it’s time to profess that Christ is running the show, and I’m not.” I thought he’d baptize me right there in his office, but he told me to come back on Sunday. Little did I know they were having a huge combined service outside in the parking lot! When John Crosby baptized me, he said, “You have witnessed a miracle today.” And it’s true. My life changed that day. I literally lost every single friend I had after becoming a Christian—I didn’t want to do drugs or go to the bar. But it was so worth it. What really changed me were the people here at CPC. They brought me in, taught me how to do a Bible study. They accepted me, this long-haired guy, no matter what I looked like and how I acted. CPCers showed me Christ was real because of their actions. They saw something in me that I didn’t. I was introduced to Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), I served on Mexico GO!Trips, I became a deacon, I taught Sunday school! I never realized what a role we all have to play. This year I’ve got four guys going to BSF with me that I would’ve sworn would never set foot in a church. One friend said, “How do you know so much?” I said, “Look, I don’t know nothin’. All I know is if you go to Bible study, you will not be the same person. You can try any other program—and please do—but you need to surrender.” You either believe in God or you run away from God. I’m thankful for this church because it’s changed my life. I’m thankful for the people who’ve walked through these doors who are now permanently part of my life. There is no measure, no amount of money that could pay for the relationships or the view of Christ that I see by so many people here. This world is so much about self. But once you become a follower of Christ, you realize, Man, you don’t matter. What does matter is you telling people about this Man. That’s what I’m trying to do.
8
NOVEMBER 2017
|
CPC LIFE
HAPPENINGS CPCONLINE.ORG • 952.920.8515
EVENTS MID-MONTH CHAPEL SERVICE
Wednesday, November 15 • 12:00PM • Chapel A traditional service with a short message by Debbie Manning, hymns, Communion, and prayers. Lunch follows.
TWIN CITIES MASTER’S CHORALE
Friday, November 17 • 7:30PM • Sanctuary Join us for a choral concert on the theme of Thanksgiving by the sixtyvoice Twin Cities Master’s Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Larry Bach and accompanied by a variety of instruments. Since 1992, the Chorale’s purpose has been to present top-notch performances of the very best in sacred choral music. Dr. Bach serves as the Artistic Director of the Chorale and is the Dean of the College of Fine Arts at North Central University. Free-of-charge and open to the public. Sponsored by the CPC Christian Fine Arts Committee.
THANKSGIVING DAY WORSHIP
Thursday, November 23 • 9:30AM • Sanctuary See details on back.
MEET GOD ON YOUR MAT: HOLY YOGA
Thursdays (no meeting November 23) • 5:30-6:30PM • MPR Holy Yoga offers connection to Jesus and restoration for the body. Experience restorative yoga with Scripture, meditation, and Christ-centered music. Led by Mary Kay Burns.
GIVE THANKS BY GIVING BLOOD!
Wednesday, November 29 • 11:00AM-5:00PM • north lawn The American Red Cross hosts a blood drive at CPC. Donors needed as well as volunteers to welcome donors. Sign up: cpconline.org/events
ADVENT/CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
Due in the office by Thursday December 7 To donate toward CPC’s beautiful poinsettias and greens in memory or in honor of someone, fill out a form in the office, the Connections Center, or at cpconline.org/events. Suggested donation: $15 per plant.
KIDS 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: Childcare provided (6 weeks-3 years) Sundays: Nursery (Infants & Toddlers): Loving care is provided for your child 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 in a large and small group lesson format that includes 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. Start the morning in Sunday school OR head to church with families and join class after the Children’s Sermon. Kids are 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
5:15-7:30PM (No programming November 22) Dinner (5:15-6:30PM): Families can enjoy dinner 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! Kids participate in worship services and special programs throughout the year. Club for 2nd-5th graders (6:30-7:30PM): Connect with leaders and peers in a fun—sometimes loud!—faith-filled night, all for the purpose of learning to follow Jesus and love others. Club time includes a Bible lesson, interactive games, and small group time. Kids are grouped 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
CANDLELIGHT MEMORIAL SERVICE Tuesday, December 5 • 7:00PM • Sanctuary See details on back.
FAMILY FAMILY ADVENT CELEBRATION
Wednesday, November 29 We’ve planned this year’s Advent celebration with the whole family in mind! Go for a hayride in the parking lot anytime between 6:00-8:00PM. Preschool–5th graders begin in the Sanctuary at 6:30PM, and kids and students of all ages join the fun from 7:00-7:30PM. Students in 6th-12th grades end in the Sanctuary from 7:45-8:30PM for their own time of worship and celebration. This celebration replaces regular Wednesday night programming; choir still runs from 5:45-6:30PM.
STUDENTS REGISTRATION
All 6th-12th graders must register in order to participate in Student Ministries programs and small groups. Sign up: cpconline.org/ students/6th-12th-grades
MIDDLE SCHOOL ACCESS
Wednesdays, November 8 & 15 (no programs November 22) • 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 CPC LIFE
| NOVEMBER 2017
9
HAPPENINGS
ELEVATE
Wednesdays, November 8 & 15 (no programs November 22) • 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
Wednesdays, November 8 & 15 (no programs November 22) • 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
CC FALL RETREAT
Saturday-Sunday, November 4-5 • Lake Geneva Christian Center (Alexandria, MN) Amazing games, awesome talks, and time with your small group. Check in at CPC Saturday at 8:00AM; buses return Sunday at 12:30PM. Cost: $125. Complete forms and sign up: cpconline.org/events
TEN12 HOUSE GROUPS
Wednesdays, November 8 & 15 (no groups November 22) • 8:00-9:15PM mycahb@cpconline.org
SPECIAL NEEDS TAPESTRY
Tuesdays, November 7 & 21 • 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
MOSAIC WORSHIP SERVICE
Sunday, November 19 • 12:30PM • Fellowship Hall 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! Lunch is provided following worship for a time of fellowship and sarahn@cpconline.org food.
ADULTS EVENTS WOMEN’S CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
Saturday, December 9 • 9:00-11:00AM • Fellowship Hall Join women of all ages for a Christmas brunch! Savor delicious food, inspiring music, and hear from Dee McIntosh, Pastor of Lighthouse MPLS. Maggie McCracken shares God’s faithfulness in her life. Cost: $15. Sign up: cpconline.org/events
MIXED 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.
10
NOVEMBER 2017
|
CPC LIFE
• E3 (millenial couples) Nick Schaser speaks on “Lost in Translation” (9:30AM - Room 302) • CATALYST Melissa Schaser speaks on Hebrews (9:30AM - Fellowship Hall Center) • MIXED TAPES (primarily 30s) (9:30AM - Fellowship Hall West) • S.A.L.T. (40s & 50s) Brad Lien teaches (9:30AM - Fellowship Hall East) • A.C.T.S. (late 50s & 60s) Melissa Schaser speaks on Hebrews (9:20AM Fellowship Hall Center) • MORE (Active Retired) Justin Buol speaks on "Early Church History" (10:45AM - Fireside Room - old Room 107) • CREDO (Intergenerational) James Madsen speaks on “Imperfect Disciples” (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 Galatians, Ephesians, and Philippians for men and women. Together we connect our everyday lives to the hope and joy found in Christ in lifetransforming ways! Sign up: cpconline.org/classes
SOUL KEEPERS (50s & UP)
Every other Wednesday • 7:00-8:30PM • Linden Hills home Dean and Kristi Brown lead this small group to share life together through prayer, fellowship, and studying Dallas Willard’s The Divine Conspiracy. Sign up: cpconline.org/groups
NEW! 20s & 30s SMALL GROUP
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
NEW! 20s-30s COUPLES' GROUP
Thursdays twice a month • 7:00-9:00PM • nearby home You are invited to study Galatians in a brand-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 LET’S CONNECT
Thursday, November 9 • 5:45PM • Bachman’s Ideas House (6010 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis) We seek to provide women in their middle years a space to live, learn, and serve while growing in Christ. Celebrate the season with us and discover inspiring decor and trends. Enjoy dinner afterward at Patrick’s Bakery & Cafe. Cost of tour: $5. Must purchase tickets in advance: cpconline.org/events
CPCONLINE.ORG • 952.920.8515
NEEDLEWORK GUILD
Saturday, November 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. Sally Stoutenburgh at 952.927.6915
WOMEN IN THE WORD
Mondays • 9:30-11:45AM • Anderson Hall In January we begin a new study by Lisa Harper: Hebrews: The Nearness of King Jesus. Sessions include DVD teaching, small group conversation, fellowship, and prayer. Sign up: cpconline.org/adults
LYDIA CIRCLE Friday, November 17 • 9:30AM • Anderson Hall CPC's Director of Operations, Mara Amiot, will be our guest. Ellen Hastings at 952.896.0066 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
NEW BEGINNINGS
MOM’S MORNING (for moms of young children)
Saturday, November 18 • 9:00-11:00AM • Anderson Hall New Beginnings is a support, resource, and friendship community for those dealing with the practical issues that follow a spouse’s death. Join us for our Third Saturday Touch Base Breakfast and hear from Petey Crowder, Pastor of Adult Ministries. Cost: $10. Sign up: debc@cpconline.org
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: $55/child (waitlist). Contact Angie Trailer: trailerfamily@gmail.com
EDYNAMOES
LARGE GROUP Wednesday, November 8 • 9:30-11:30AM Dave Stark, author of LifeKeys, speaks on how God has uniquely created us. Cost: $60/year for Large Group; $55/child (waitlist). Sign up: cpconline.org/groups
MOMS IN THE MIDDLE (for moms of tweens and teens)
LARGE GROUP Thursday, November 16 • 9:30-11:30AM • Anderson Hall Bruce Locklear, former principal of Edina High School, speaks on “Raising Kids Today: It’s a Different World.” Cost: $5 at the door. SMALL GROUPS Thursday, November 9 & 30 • 9:30AM Small groups meet twice a month and provide in-depth connection, support, and study. Contact Kirstin Slaney: slaneyhome@gmail.com
Wednesday, December 6 (no November luncheon) • 11:30AM Fellowship Hall Join us for a holiday lunch! Former CPC Pastor Dan Anderson portrays an old shepherd who tells his story. Cost: $5. Please bring Jerry's cash receipts and pop/can tabs; cash/toy donations for Christmas will be collected. Sign up by December 3: Cleo Wedge at 952.922.2769
HORIZONS (ACTIVE RETIRED-AGE) Saturday, December 9 • 6:30PM • Fellowship Hall Horizons is an inviting community of active retirement-age singles and couples, experiencing and sharing the good we see all around us! Celebrate Christmas with a delicious meal and entertainment provided by improv comedy group The Peabody Players. Cost: $25/person. Sign up: debc@cpconline.org
CARE
NEW! 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! ESTHER CIRCLE Thursday, November 2 • 10:00AM • in a nearby home All are welcome to join us for Bible study and fellowship. shellienw@gmail.com MARTHA CIRCLE Wednesday, November 15 • 10:30AM • Fireside Room (old Room 107) Pastor Jody Phenow is our guest. Please bring gifts for Cornerstone Santa Shop. Pat Haberkorn at 952.941.4188
GROUPS ALZHEIMER’S EDUCATION SERIES
Thursday, November 9 • 6:30-8:00PM • Room 116 • meets 2nd Thursdays A series for care partners and those with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Mary Frances Price, elder law attorney, speaks on legal and financial planning. marya@cpconline.org
GRIEF RECOVERY
Tuesday, November 14 (no December meeting) • 6:00-8:30PM • Fireside Room (old Room 107) 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 Melissa Schaser speaks on preparing for the holidays. In lieu of regular December meeting, we attend the Candlelight Memorial Service. debbiem@cpconline.org
GRACE & HOPE FOR OUR CHILDREN
Tuesday, November 21 • 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 CPC LIFE
| NOVEMBER 2017
11
HAPPENINGS
on our journeys. Meetings include support, fellowship, and occasional guest speakers. dbrown@dcbrowninc.com
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
HOPE & HARMONY: TREEHOUSE CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Friday, December 1 • 6:30PM • Sanctuary Offer hope and a brighter future for local teens at this concert featuring Aaron Shust and Elizabeth Hunnicutt Summers. Enjoy dessert afterward with a brief TreeHouse program. Cost: $25. Sign up: cpconline.org/events
Friday, November 10; Saturday, November 25; Friday, December 8 10:00AM-12:00PM • Anderson Hall 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 are welcome. Knitting materials and tutoring provided. Pat Johnson at 952.270.1434
FAMILIES MOVING FORWARD
LGBTQ FAMILY GROUP
FIGHT HUMAN TRAFFICKING: PURPLE LIGHT PROJECT
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
Sunday-Sunday, December 24-31 Give time to families experiencing homelessness during their stay at CPC. Volunteers needed for setup/cleanup, meal prep, spending time with children, overnight hosting, and more. Sign up: cpconline.org/events
Be a beacon of hope to trafficked women through Source MN’s Purple Light Project. Training provided. Join the fight: info@sourcemn.org
YOU ARE INVITED TO GO!
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
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! We welcome both men and women of all ages and skill levels. Contact: noelc@cpconline.org
NEAR NOVEMBER MISSION OF THE MONTH
Mission of the Month is a vital source of funding for our mission partners. FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE GLOBAL MINISTRIES CPCer Tim Geoffrion leads this ministry dedicated to teaching, encouraging, and equipping ministers and church leaders on four continents, currently with a focus in Myanmar. Connect and learn more on Sundays in the Great Room. To give, mark your check memo November Mission of the Month or give online: cpconline.org/give
BLOOMINGTON LOAVES & FISHES
Friday, November 17 • Prep: 2:00-4:00PM; Serve: 5:00-7:00PM • Creekside Community Center • 3rd Fridays Volunteers age 15 and older are welcome to prepare and serve a meal with our Bloomington friends. Sign up for one or both slots: cpconline.org/events
CALVARY MEALS
Sunday, November 26 • 12:30-3:00PM • Calvary Baptist Church (2608 Blaisdell Ave S, Minneapolis 55408) • 4th Sundays Help prepare, serve, and clean up a meal for 100 guests. Sign up: cpconline.org/events
12
NOVEMBER 2017
|
CPC LIFE
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: $1995 (subject to change). Fundraising available. Israel/Palestine with Rich & Jody Phenow April 20-May 2 Visit Yohanna and Dina Katanacho, our 2016 Scholars-in-Residence. This trip features visits to both ancient and modern sites, while also providing opportunities to build relationships with Israeli and Palestinian friends and families. Cost: $3495 (subject to change).
BIRTHS
Jeff and Ashley Johnson welcomed a daughter, Tallulah PhyllisLucille, on September 14.
Evelyn Pearson passed away on October 8 at the age of 98. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Pearson, former CPC Visitation Pastor.
Brian and Tina Janeshek welcomed a daughter, Gianna Maria, in September.
RECENTLY HOSPITALIZED
MARRIAGES
Amber Wennersten and Ryan Ellsworth were married on September 23. The Rev. Dr. John Crosby officiated. Paige Peterson and Beau Jennings were married on September 23. The Rev. Dr. John Crosby officiated. Margaret Erickson and Alexander Jones were married on September 29. The Rev. Rich Phenow officiated.
DEATHS
Ruth Gunberg passed away on September 26 at the age of 90. She is survived by son Mike Montgomery. Theresa Ella “Taffy” Hirtz passed away on September 28 at the age of 64. She is survived by daughter Alison Wirth. Edna Goebel passed away on October 7 at the age of 101. She is survived by son Jim Goebel.
Cheri Allan Barb Bucha Jeff Cook Norm Densmore
Kathe Drake Robin Redman Bruce Vetsch Sally Zielike
STAFF TRANSITIONS
Stanton Petersen left his job in Kids’ Ministries as Associate Director of Elementary. Jennifer Boardman left her job in Communications as Publications Editor. Karen Rulifson joins as Associate Director of Family Engagement and Events.
FINANCIAL UPDATE
June 1, 2017-September 2017 Ministry Offering Budget: $1,123,579 Actual Offering: $1,034,251 Variance: $(89,328) YTD Mission Focus Total: $21,143
Jean Hartman passed away on October 8 at the age of 83. She is survived by children Robert Hartman, Elizabeth Gilbert, and Patricia Dzuris.
November Mission of the Month: Faith, Hope, and Love Global Ministries CPCer Tim Geoffrion leads this ministry dedicated to teaching, encouraging, and equipping ministers and church leaders on four continents. To give, mark your check memo November Mission of the Month or give online:
cpconline.org/give
CPC LIFE
| NOVEMBER 2017
13
CPCers share their calling in the GRIT display in the Great Room.
Babies and kids in their renovated spaces!
Outside construction work on the east side of CPC.
WORSHIP WITH US Saturdays at 5:15PM • Contemporary Worship Sundays at 9:30AM • Traditional Worship Sundays at 11:00AM • Contemporary Worship
SPECIAL WORSHIP SERVICES S UND AY NIGH T W OR S HIP
Sunday, November 19 • 5:00PM Try a different pace of worship! Featuring music, prayer, reflection, and Communion. Childcare provided; dinner served afterward.
T H A NK S GI V ING D AY W OR S HIP
Thursday, November 23 • 9:30AM Begin your Thanksgiving Day celebrations with an opportunity to give thanks to God for all of life's blessings. Featuring special music with a brass ensemble and a meditation from James Madsen. Ends with a time of corporate thanksgiving.
FA M I LY A D V E N T C E L E B R AT I O N
Wednesday, November 29 Celebrate Advent with the whole family! Activities and worship geared for all ages—details on page 9.
CANDLELIGHT MEMORIAL SERVICE
Tuesday, December 5 • 7:00PM Begin Advent with a time to honor those you have lost over the years and set our hearts on the coming Messiah. Dessert follows in the Great Room.
CPC Life is a publication of Christ Presbyterian Church (CPC).
Email Subscriptions: To receive a link to the online version, contact communications@cpconline.org.
Mail Subscriptions: Suggested annual donation of $20. Please write Editor, CPC Life, Christ Presbyterian Church, 6901 Normandale Road, Edina, MN 55435.
Christ Presbyterian Church
|
We welcome your letters and comments! Please email communications@cpconline.org. © Christ Presbyterian Church 2017
952.920.8515
|
cpconline.org
Director of Communications: Sarah Long Editor: Jennifer Boardman Art Direction & Design: Matt Schubbe, Byron McConnell Editorial Assistants: Maggie Keller, Claire Sweem
|
facebook.com/cpconline
|
@CPCEdina