“I want people to come to believe not only that God is real, but that He’s actively interested in you, all through the day, about everything big and small.”
I
smile when I hear people say, “Oh, I could never pray like the pastor.” The first time I preached on prayer was in 1989, my first year at CPC. All I remember about the sermon was that I said something cute like, “I admire them, but when compared to prayer warriors, I’m more of a draft dodger.” Rather than a professional “pray-er,” I saw myself as more of a Bible student. More of an intellectual. More of an activist. More as someone on the move, leading people to know the living God in our community. Over my tenure at CPC I’ve changed. Oh, I still don’t get up two hours early to pray like Luther, but now I see that the center of my vocation—my “calling”—is to pray for you. I want to put people in touch with the Invisible God, revealed in Jesus. And at the heart of that is prayer. Somewhere between the thick prayer journals of prayer giants and the “Now I lay me down to sleep” half-prayers are where most other prayers reside—a place where we just desire to connect, to believe there’s someone there who’s listening!
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It’s pretty simple: I want people to come to believe not only that God is real, but that He’s actively interested in you, all through the day, about everything big and small. This belief will change your life if you open your heart and mind and come to experience a throughout-the-day sense of the presence of God. For three years now in our fall worship series, we’ve tried to become better pray-ers, taking baby steps (because aren’t we all spiritual babies?). If you want to talk to God, you need to recognize His voice, and as Mark Batterson says, “When we open the Bible, God opens His mouth.” We started with Jesus, because His followers saw something so different from their prayers that they begged Him, “Teach us to talk to God like that!” Then last year we learned from the great prayers of the Old Testament. This year we’re tuning our ears to the Apostle Paul. When I listen to Paul’s prayers, I realize how different our usual conversations with God sound. Did you every notice, for instance, that Paul never once prays that the
CPC LIFE
circumstances of his new Jesusfollowers get “better”? It’s not because he doesn’t love them, but there are more important things going on than health or happiness or jobs or . . . well, most of what we pray about. We should talk to God about those things, but if we stop there, it’s like trying to share the depths of your heart with a two-year-old. Let’s take just one step together. There’s no secret formula to prayer. No script to follow. Just us, talking to Jesus. But to know God more intimately, one needs to speak to Him, and then take the time to listen, as well. If I can pass along one takeaway from how Paul talks to God, it would center on thankfulness. We live in a stress-filled, anxious world. Wouldn’t you like to be a more thankful, less worried person by Thanksgiving? Practicing prayer is the first step.
John Crosby serves as Senior Pastor.
“I DON’ T H AV E T IME T O BE A N Y T HING B U T B U S Y !” I heard a woman say this as she walked through the church office this week. Her words kept coming back to me all day long. Did she want to be that way or was she complaining? It does seem as though most people are busier than ever before. I wonder why? I once saw a TV news story about a man and his wife crossing the country by covered wagon. It was loaded with supplies, and the sunbonneted woman smiled as she showed how neatly all their goods were stored. They set off into the sunrise, the patient horses plodding along, a little spotted dog walking happily beside them. I could not help thinking a modern car could get to Duluth before the wagon could get to St. Paul! Today there are machines that organize, analyze, print, and store materials. We have better vacuum cleaners, larger washers, self-clean ovens, microwaves, and packaged food where a whole meal can be quickly cooked at once . . . things the pioneers could not have dreamed of. Why then is the world so busy? It can take a month or longer just to get a dental appointment or have repair work done. Road construction can take years. It seems there is just never enough time.
Yet everyone’s minute is sixty seconds long, and everyone in the world has sixty minutes in each hour. No one, whether they are king or newborn baby, has any more or any less. And our God waits . . . all through the dizzying days and restless nights, He waits . . . He is always waiting for us. How He longs to slow the pace, to give peace, to ease burdens. He tries to get our attention with beauty, with smiles, with small surprises, longing to show how much He loves us and wants to be always with us. We Christians know this, but we don’t always take advantage of it because we get too busy. We always have an “instant appointment” with our loving Father. He waits for us; we never have to wait for Him. What an honor it is to be His child and the heirs to His Kingdom. He is Creator, Physician, Counselor, Friend, Companion . . . He is the God of all needs . . . all needs. Before you hand Him this week’s petitions, close your eyes and sit silently. Let He-Who-Waits open your heart and flood your soul with His love. No need to say anything . . . He already knows. Just relax and let time run through your fingers like gentle rain. You will find your strength renewed and hope strengthened . . . He is waiting now.
Lee Kerr was CPC’s beloved front desk office volunteer for fourteen years. A prayer warrior who rose at 3:00AM every day to pray for the requests of CPCers, Lee went into the loving arms of Jesus in December 2014. This is reprinted from a 2009 article from her Hearthside intercessory prayer newsletter.
Prayer in the Life of Paul G R AT I T U D E T O G O D A N D U NI T Y IN CH R I S T
T
he apostle commonly called Paul was a Jewish man from Tarsus (modern-day Turkey) whose name was Saul. Although he initially persecuted followers of Jesus, Saul had a revelation of Christ and joined a group of Jewish believers called “The Way,” who others referred to as “Christians.” While all the earliest followers of Jesus were Jews, Saul eventually embarked on missions to bring the Gospel to Gentiles—that is, non-Jews. As a Jew who was also a Roman citizen, Saul had two names: a family name of Hebrew origin and a Roman name of Latin origin. When he wrote to his Gentile churches, he used his Roman name,
for the day of Christ” (Philippians 1:3-5, 9-10). Along with prayers of support for Gentile believers, Paul also continued to pray for those among his own Jewish people who did not acknowledge Jesus. Paul wrote to the church at Rome, “My heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved” (Romans 10:1). Thus, Paul’s prayers reflected both thanks to God for His grace toward Gentile believers and petitions to God for continued grace toward those Jews who did not share Paul’s faith. Not only did Paul pray, but he also requested prayer for himself and his ministry. He tells the church at Corinth,
“For Paul, prayer was a reciprocal activity—a kind of relational glue that holds Christians together and helps to cultivate gratitude for God’s blessings in Christ.”
Paul—a more familiar name to his nonJewish audience—but among his fellow Jewish believers, he continued to go by Saul. Using his Roman name helped him relate to Gentiles throughout the Roman Empire, in order to articulate the Jewish idea of the Messiah to people who had no prior knowledge of Israel’s God or Scriptures. Paul’s greatest desire was to impart the Gospel “to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile” (Romans 1:16), so that the whole world might have salvation through Jesus. Paul knew that prayer was crucial for attaining this Jewish-Gentile unity. The apostle’s prayers expressed his gratitude to God for his Gentile churches and his hope for their spiritual health: “I thank my God in my remembrance of you, in every prayer of mine for you all, making my prayer with joy. . . . And it is my prayer that your love may abound . . . so that you may be pure and blameless
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“You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many” (2 Corinthians 1:11). For Paul, prayer was a reciprocal activity—a kind of relational glue that holds Christians together and helps to cultivate gratitude for God’s blessings in Christ. Paul knew that in order to rightly discern what is on God’s heart, we must be in constant contact with God through prayer. This is why he urges the Thessalonians to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). As believers today, let us follow Paul’s exhortation to pray consistently, so that we might help to advance Paul’s vision of worldwide unity in Christ. Nick Schaser is working on his dissertation as he completes his doctorate on Judaism and the New Testament at Vanderbilt. Married to Melissa, he is currently teaching a Sunday Communities class.
CPC LIFE
Melissa Schaser
A S S O CI AT E PA S T O R o f C O N GR E GAT IO N A L CA R E
WHAT IS YOUR FAITH BACKGROUND?
I accepted Christ at age ten and knew God was calling me into ministry when I was fifteen. But because I attended a church that told me women could only be women’s pastors and missionaries, I didn’t know what my ministry would look like. In undergrad I had a church that wanted me to teach. I remember sitting in a room with thirteen men, talking about Abraham and Sarah, and they were going on and on about Abraham. They were ignoring Sarah. When I spoke up about her, the conversation changed. I knew that God wanted to use my voice. WHAT WERE YOU DOING PRIOR TO COMING TO CPC?
HOMETOWN: Bloomington, IL FAMILY: married to Nick for two years HOBBY: Italian cooking! My grandfather
is from Italy, and I have cousins in Italy. I make my own pasta.
BOOKS: I loved Love Warrior by Glennon Doyle Melton. Nick and I are also reading the Scriptures in Hebrew together. EDUCATION: MDiv at Vanderbilt FAVORITE CIT Y: Oxford, England
(where I studied for a semester in college). It is like you’re walking around in the 16th century.
GUILT Y PLEASURE: watching “Dancing
with the Stars” (inspired by my motherin-law)
After divinity school in Nashville, TN, I was a hospital chaplain. I was also ordained at a church down there. We loved Nashville. I like country music (Nick not so much), and it was really fun to be in such a musical city. I didn’t know if chaplaincy was going to be my calling, but I thought I’d give it a try. My first day at the children’s hospital I had no clue what I was doing. In the first room there was a grandmother with her grandson who was in a lot of pain. I sat there and thought, This is where our theology and beliefs and all the things we say about God meet the road. I walked out of there knowing that they were more at peace. God had done something. From that day, I was all in. But during my last year of chaplaincy, I remember a few instances when I walked into a hospital room to a pastor already there and felt a sigh of relief. Seeing a pastor meant that there was someone there before me and someone there after me to minister to these patients. As a chaplain I was just doing intervention after intervention. I started to kind of envy the pastor. So I realized that was where God was leading me.
HOW DID YOU END UP AT CPC?
My husband grew up in Eden Prairie, and we knew we wanted to be closer to family. He was on the Luther Seminary website, and on the employment page I saw this Pastor of Congregational Care position. It aligned where my heart was: both pastoral care and teaching. The first time I came to CPC there was a Lay Care Appreciation Dinner. Giving care to people is not an easy thing—you get to see and hear very sacred things and very hard things. And here were all these lay people so excited to give and care, feeling empowered and joyful. I also loved how intergenerational CPC is. People tell me they’ve been here for thirty-five years and their kids and now their grandbabies are baptized here. It showed me that for people to stay here for generations, CPC must be taking pretty good care of its members. HOW DOES PRAYER PLAY A PART IN YOUR MINISTRY AND LIFE?
Rich Phenow shared that one thing he learned from Roger Anderson is that in any situation you go into, you need to start with prayer. That resonated with me: In the places of our deepest powerlessness to move or change, God’s power is heightened. Prayer is the way for us to feel that there is hope and a way through or over or out of whatever it is we are experiencing. Prayer reminds us of the idea of redemption, that God is going to redeem all things some day. One thing that I would recommend for those new to prayer is to set your phone timer for five minutes first thing in the morning. Instead of listing all the things I have to do that day, those five minutes help quiet me, help me focus on God. Things in life get very busy very quickly. Yes, we can blame our cell phones and TV and all this stuff, but my mind is a busy place! I’m constantly telling myself what I need to get done. If we can first quiet that, that’s one of the first steps to prayer.
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A Closer Look HOW PRAYER IS EMBEDDED IN THE LIFE OF CPC
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F O R B A BIE S
During Tuesdays at Bible Study Fellowship, the volunteer leaders in the infant rooms can be heard praying over each baby by name while changing diapers: “God, we thank you for this baby, and we pray that she will grow to love You and know You!” It’s a mundane task made beautiful and holy.
Will you pray with us?
F O R C O L L E GE S T U DE N T S
The Student Ministries team sends care packages to CPC college students twice a year chock full of goodies and spiritual tools. As volunteers pray over each package, they ask that the students would know how loved they are by God and by members of this church.
F O R A B U S Y DAY A H E A D
Frank Uvodich, Director of Building and Grounds, spends time every morning looking over CPC’s room set-up schedule, specifically praying for all the people who will walk through our doors that day.
F O R W O R S HIP
Select elders and deacons pray with the speakers and musicians before every worship service. Prayers include peace, wisdom, and truth for speakers, for safe travel and open hearts for all who are coming, for kids to feel welcomed, and for the Spirit to be powerful as we share our gifts for the sake of His people.
F O R YO U R R E Q U E S T S
Lee Kerr, CPC’s former front desk volunteer, started the Hearthside newsletter to share the pink prayer request cards with prayer warriors from our congregation. After Lee’s passing in 2014, her husband, Bob, has continued the distribution of Hearthside. (Read one of Lee’s articles on page 3.) To receive Hearthside, contact the front desk at 952.920.8515.
F O R CP C’S MI S S IO N
On Tuesday mornings CPC staff gathers to pray for our church. We pray for the Holy Spirit to move us where He wants us to go, and we pray that we become inviters as Jesus invites us into relationship with Him.
Be a congregation of prayer as we meet for a Prayer Gathering in place of our regular Saturday night service. Take time to listen to God, pray for the direction of CPC, and be alert to the moving of the Spirit.
NOVEMBER 12 • 5:15PM
HAPPENINGS E VENTS
sign up, let Jodi know the number of adults and kids attending. No cost. jodib@cpconline.org Sign up:
MID-MONTH CHAPEL SERVICE
Wednesdays, October 19 & November 16 • 12:00PM A traditional service with a short message by Paul Tshihamba (October) and Debbie Manning (November), hymns, Communion, and prayers. Lunch follows. No reservation necessary.
ALL SAINTS’ WEEKEND
Saturday & Sunday, November 5 & 6 • during services All Saints’ Weekend is a time to celebrate loved ones who have gone home to heaven in the past year. A slideshow is shown to honor the memories of those for whom we have held a memorial service at CPC.
WELCOME TO CPC GATHERING
Sunday, November 6 • 10:30AM & 12:00PM • Fireside Room Want to learn more about our church, staff, and programs? This informal time led by Pastor Crosby after Sunday morning services is a great place to hear more about our community and how to connect. Hope to see you there!
“THE ROAD HOME” - TWO RIVERS CHORALE CONCERT
Friday, November 11 • 7:30PM • CPC Join us for an evening of choral music featuring songs of gratitude, home, and the journey of life, performed by the Two Rivers Chorale under the direction of Timothy Sawyer. Repertoire includes pieces by Vaughn Williams, Rossini, John Rutter, David Dickau, Stephen Paulus, Dan Forrest, and others. No cost. Sponsored by the CPC Christian Fine Arts Committee.
HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE & COOKIE SALE
Saturday, November 19 • 9:00AM-4:00PM Purchase artwork, crafts, jewelry, pottery, furniture, clothing, cookies, a soup lunch, and more. CPC proceeds benefit mission work and ministry scholarships. If you’d like to bake cookies to be sold, pick up plates/directions on November 5/6 in the Great Room; cookies due November 18.
THANKSGIVING DAY WORSHIP
Thursday, November 24 • 9:30AM Begin your Thanksgiving Day celebrations with an opportunity to give thanks to God for the blessings of life. Special music by the Chancel Choir and brass, with a sermon from Rich Phenow.
CANDLELIGHT MEMORIAL SERVICE
Tuesday, December 6 • 7:00PM • Sanctuary Begin Advent with a time to honor those we have lost over the years and set our hearts on the coming Messiah. Dessert follows in the Great Room.
KIDS
FAMILY COMMUNION WORKSHOP
Saturday, November 5 • 4:00PM • Anderson Hall Elementary-aged children and their parents discover both the biblical beginnings and CPC’s tradition of taking Communion. Led by Jordyn Farris, Associate Director of Elementary. A light supper will be served. Free will tammym@cpconline.org offering.
PROGRAMS WEEKEND PROGRAMS
During Sunday 9:30AM, 11:00AM, & 5:00PM services We minister to kids and their families by engaging kids in their relationship with Jesus. Sign up: cpconline.org/kids
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS: THE JUNCTION
Wednesdays • 5:00-7:30PM Where K-6th graders learn more about God and live out their faith through music, friendship, reading the Bible, and connection with leaders: • Dinner (5:00-6:15PM) – available to all for a small fee • Choirs (5:45-6:30PM) – K-6th grades (NEW THIS YEAR: 6th grade choir option) • Club (6:30-7:30PM) – 1st-6th grades Cost: $30/first child, $20/second child, $10/third child; max $60/family. Sign up: cpconline.org/kids
S TUDENTS ELEVATE & COMMITMENT CLASS ELEVATE WEDNESDAY NIGHTS
• October 19: Ruckus - Flying in the Fall • 6:00-8:00PM • meet at Air Maxx • October 26 & November 2, 9, 16: regular programming • 6:15-7:30PM • No programming November 23 vanc@cpconline.org
COMMITMENT CLASS WEDNESDAY NIGHTS
• October 19: small group bonding • 6:15-7:30PM • October 26: regular programming • 6:15-7:30PM • November 5-6: Fall Retreat • Join us for this highly encouraged first retreat of the CC year! This retreat is an overnight get-away where we learn about Jesus, play games, spend time in small groups, and worship together. Sign up: cpconline.org/students • November 2, 9, 16: regular programming • 6:15-7:30PM • No programming November 23 lexis@cpconline.org
EVENTS
HSM
FALL PRESCHOOL FAMILY FESTIVAL
Friday, October 28 • 5:00-7:00PM • Fireside Room Families of preschoolers, join us for a BBQ, fun, and fellowship! When you
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HSM WEDNESDAY NIGHTS
• October 19: small group bonding • 8:00-9:15PM
CPCONLINE.ORG • 952.920.8515 • October 26 & November 9, 16: House Groups • November 2: Large Group at CPC • 8:00-9:15PM • No programming November 23 mycahb@cpconline.org trevort@cpconline.org
James Madsen leads this intergenerational discussion-oriented study on Matthew for men and women. We explore how the message of Matthew speaks particularly to our need for a Savior and a King and how to apply the Gospel message to our daily life. Monday childcare: $50/semester. Sign up: cpconline.org/studies
SPECIAL NEEDS MOSAIC WORSHIP SERVICE
GROUPS
Sundays, October 16 & November 20 • 5:00PM • Chapel 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! Dinner is provided following worship for a time of fellowship and food. erind@cpconline.org vanc@cpconline.org
SINGLE PARENT FAMILY MINISTRY
TAPESTRY
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. New teaching schedule begins November 6. • MIXED TAPES (primarily 30s; 9:30AM - Fellowship Hall West) •S .A.L.T. (40s & 50s) “The Good Life: Romans 12 & 13” with Randy Andersen (9:30AM - Fellowship Hall East) •A .C.T.S. (late 50s & 60s) “Acts: The Beloved Community” with Melissa Schaser (9:20AM - Fellowship Hall Center) •M ORE (Active Retired) “Provisions of Christ” with James Madsen (10:45AM - Room 107) • CREDO (Intergenerational) “King of the Jews: The Jewish Background of Jesus and the New Testament” with Nick Schaser (10:45AM - Room 10 South)
Tuesdays, October 25 & November 8, 22 • 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, games, guest speakers, and story/drama. erind@cpconline.org vanc@cpconline.org
ADULTS EVENTS MOM’S MORNING REUNION
Tuesday, October 25 • 6:30-8:30PM • Fireside Room Did you attend Mom’s Morning before 2005? Join us as we renew old friendships and share our vision for staying connected in this new season of life. Sign up: cpconline.org/events
ENCOURAGEMENT NIGHT FOR SMALL GROUP LEADERS
Thursday, November 3 • 7:00-8:15PM • Anderson Hall All small group leaders are invited to join us for fellowship, dessert, and some refresher training. Return to your small group feeling renewed and encouraged. Sign up: cpconline.org/events
WOMEN’S CHRISTMAS BRUNCH
Saturday, December 3 • 9:00-11:00AM • Fellowship Hall Join other women of CPC for a Christmas celebration! Enjoy delicious food, inspiring music, and Rachel Schwandt’s faith story. Our featured speaker is Melissa Schaser, CPC’s new Congregational Care Pastor, who shares about Mary, Jesus, and the power of God with us. Cost: $12. Sign up: cpconline.org/events
STUDIES IN THE WORD
Mondays • 9:30-11:30AM • Room 107 OR Tuesdays • 6:30-8:00PM • Room 116
Thursday, November 17 • 6:00-8:00PM • Anderson Hall In this community for single parents and their children, we share a family meal, then the adults break off to hear a speaker on topics that encourage single parents. Childcare provided. No cost. sarahn@cpconline.org
SUNDAY COMMUNITIES
CPC BOOK CLUB
Thursday, November 17 • 7:00PM • Room 10 We make book selections for the 2017 year. Nancy Reutiman at 952.920.1837
NEW! MIXED ADULT GROUP 50S AND UP
Join this new small group meeting in the Linden Hills neighborhood twice a month from 7:00-8:30PM. Day of the week: TBD. debc@cpconline.org
NEW! MIXED ADULT GROUP INTERGENERATIONAL
Join this new small group meeting south of the river twice a month from debc@cpconline.org 7:00-8:30PM. Day of the week: TBD.
MEN MONDAY & THURSDAY MORNING MEN’S GROUPS Several existing men’s small groups welcome new participants. Sign up: cpconline.org/groups
THE DADS’ GROUP
Wednesdays • 6:25-7:30PM • Parlor The Dads’ Group is for Christian dads who want to become better husbands, dads, and men. Led by Allen Pofahl and Tom Wagner, this group meets whenever there is Wednesday night programming for kids and students. Sign up: cpconline.org/groups CPC LIFE
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HAPPENINGS
WOMEN
OLDER ADULTS EDYNAMOES
60S & STILL GROWING
Wednesdays, October 19 & November 2, 16 • 1:00-2:30PM • Parlor Join this dedicated ministry of older women who are growing in relationship with Jesus and each other by studying Scripture. Sandy Thoermer at 952.249.2893
NEEDLEWORK GUILD
Saturdays, October 22 & November 12 • 10:00AM-2:00PM • Fellowship Hall Our mission is to make warm garments and blankets for local agencies that serve the needy. We have yarn, fabric, and knitters to get you started. Sally Stoutenburgh at 952.927.6915
MOM’S MORNING (for moms of young children)
LARGE GROUP Wednesdays, October 26 & November 9 • 9:30-11:30AM Join other moms for fellowship and inspirational speakers. October: Katie Solem is back to speak on “The Basics of Love and Logic.” November: Fall Fellowship Day. Hear from Lisa Pulrang as she shares tips on making our homes warm and inviting during the holidays, plus enjoy making a craft. Cost: $50/year; $60/child for childcare. Sign up: cpconline.org/events 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. Childcare cost: $60/child. Sign up: cpconline.org/events
MOMS IN THE MIDDLE (for moms of tweens and teens)
LARGE GROUP Thursdays, October 27 & November 17 • 9:30-11:30AM • Anderson Hall In October, Sarah Maslowski speaks on modeling healthy relationships with our teens and tweens covering issues of self-relation, peer pressure, technology, and faith. In November, Jeff Lindsay, Associate Minister at Colonial Church, discusses the challenges of being in the “Sandwich Generation” of caring for growing children and aging parents. There’s still time to sign up or come and bring a friend! Cost: $35/year. Sign up: cpconline.org
Wednesday, October 26 • 11:30AM • Fellowship Hall Join us for a delicious lunch followed by speaker Nick Legeros, an artist who has created lasting sculptures of Goldy Gopher (at Coffman Union), Sid Hartman (at Target Center), and St. Joseph (at St. Joseph’s Hospital). Cost: $5. Please bring Jerry’s cash receipts and pop/can tabs. Sign up by October 23: Cleo Wedge at 952.922.2769
CIRCLES (women 60+)
Circles combine fellowship, learning, and service in a small group setting. Guests and new members always welcome! MARTHA CIRCLE Wednesdays, October 19 & November 16 • 10:00AM • Parlor October: Carrie Gleeson, Director of Student Ministries, shares about CPC’s Student Ministries. November: Rich Phenow, Pastor of Congregational Care, gives a Thanksgiving message remembering God’s faithfulness. Pat Haberkorn at 952.941.4188 ESTHER CIRCLE Thursday, November 3 • 10:00AM • nearby home Women of CPC are welcome to join us for Bible study and fellowship. shellienw@gmail.com LYDIA CIRCLE Saturday, November 19 • 11:00AM • Great Room Meet for lunch at the CPC Holiday Boutique. 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
C ARE GRACE & HOPE FOR OUR CHILDREN
SMALL GROUP Thursday, November 3 • 9:30AM Small groups meet twice a month and provide in-depth connection, support, and study. Sign up: cpconline.org
Tuesdays, October 18 & November 15 • 7:00-8:30PM • Parlor • 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 support, fellowship, and occasional guest speakers. dbrown@dcbrowninc.com
EVENING MOM’S GROUP
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
2nd Thursdays • 7:00-8:30PM • Room 200 Join with other moms to connect and grow together in faith. Geared toward moms with young kids through elementary age. Sign up: cpconline.org/groups
COUPLES
ABUNDANTLY SATISFIED
COUPLES’ GROUPS
Being in a couples’ group is a great way to strengthen your marriage and grow together. Our groups are based on age ranges and life stages and generally meet twice a month in homes. We are launching new groups this fall. Sign up: cpconline.org/groups
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Saturday, October 29 & Friday, November 11 • 10:00AM-12:00PM • Room 200 • usually meets 2nd Friday & 4th Saturday of the month The goal of our ministry is to knit or crochet shawls made with the hope of being vessels for God’s presence and comfort. You don’t need knitting experience; all are welcome! Coaching and materials can be provided. Pat Johnson at 952.270.1434
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CPC LIFE
Sundays, November 6 & 20 • 9:30-10:30AM • Room 203 • meets 1st & 3rd Sundays We support each other with weight issues that keep us from experiencing the abundant life God wants for us. No weigh-ins; lots of grace and support! sandy_radeke@earthlink.net
HAPPENINGS
GRIEF RECOVERY
Tuesday, November 8 • 6:00-8:30PM • Parlor • meets 2nd Tuesdays Grief Recovery is for those who have lost a loved one. We experience God’s hope and healing through fellowship, prayer, and sharing a meal. This month Norine Larson shares her story. No reservation needed. debbiem@cpconline.org
INFERTILITY CARE GROUP
Thursday, November 17 • 7:00-8:30PM • Room 202 • meets 2nd Thursday of the month (no December meeting) “Do you have kids?” It’s a familiar question for married couples. However, when couples experience infertility, it is anything but a simple question. If you are experiencing infertility and would welcome a place to talk about it, please stop in for care and support. debbiem@cpconline.org
NEW BEGINNINGS
Saturday, November 19 • 9:00-11:00AM • Anderson Hall New Beginnings is CPC’s 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 with Matt Moberg speaking debc@cpconline.org on “Learning to Lament.” Cost: $10. Sign up:
Calling all “hard hats”! Volunteers of all skill levels ages 18 and older are welcome to help rehab homes in North Minneapolis. Sign up: cpconline.org/events
SOURCE ANTI-TRAFFICKING
Training & Testimony: Tuesday, November 1 • 7:00-8:30PM Prayer Breakfast: Saturday, November 19 • 9:00-10:00AM Get to know CPC’s local anti-trafficking mission partner, Source AntiTrafficking, at their monthly Prayer Breakfasts or Training & Testimony nights. Both events are located at 2609 Stevens Ave, Minneapolis. Sign up: cpconline.org/events
THE JOY OF GIVING
Donate to our Joy of Giving Christmas campaign! We partner with the Plymouth Christian Youth Center in North Minneapolis to provide gifts for people of all ages at their holiday store. • Gift suggestion cards available: beginning November 12 • Gift collection boxes available: November 26/27-December 5 •V olunteers needed to accept donations, sort toys, prepare the store for its young visitors, or work the day of the sale: December 10 Contact: jtcarrol7@comcast.net
FAR
LGBTQ FAMILY GROUP
A new group is forming for parents and family members of someone who is LGBTQ. Discuss together how to best love and support our loved one and rgarton1@msn.com each other.
SERVE OCTOBER MISSION OF THE MONTH
CPC’s October Mission of the Month benefits our partner in Zambia, The Jubilee Centre, which exists to equip and serve pastors to bring about change in the moral, economic, and political transformation of Zambia. Our second partner is World Vision and their work on the front lines of the refugee crisis in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Turkey. To donate, please write “Mission of the Month” in your check memo.
NEAR BLOOMINGTON LOAVES & FISHES
Fridays, October 21 & November 18 • Prep: 2:00-4:00PM; Serve: 5:007:00PM • Creekside Community Center • 3rd Friday of the month Volunteers ages 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
CATADUPA, JAMAICA WITH HIGH SCHOOL MINISTRIES
March 26-April 1, 2017 Join other high school students on this trip of transformation: • Learn about the unique culture and customs of Jamaica • See the side of Jamaica seldom seen in vacation brochures •L earn how Jamaican Christians are addressing the needs of their community • Be forever changed! Trip Leaders: Pattie Juarez, World Servants Caribbean Specialist, and CPC staff. Cost: $995 per person (plus airfare ~$700). Sign up: cpconline.org/serve/far
2017 GO!TRIPS
If you have an interest in a particular trip but are unsure of your participation, please let us know so we can keep you in the loop! This helps us to gauge interest in the trip, prevents premature cancellation during periods of slow registration, and to communicate trip information for your thoughtful prayer and discernment. leslieb@cpconline.org • Sankofa Journey of Reconciliation to the American South: Spring • NEW! Israel/Palestine with Yohanna and Dina Katanacho: April 23-May 1 • Lusaka and Moyo, Zambia: May • Nicaragua with Opportunity International: June 19-24 • Israel/Palestine with The Telos Group: October 17-27
CALVARY DROP-IN MEALS
Sunday, October 23 • 12:30-3:00PM • 4th Sunday of the month • Calvary Church (2608 Blaisdell Ave. S., Mpls 55408) Calvary Church hosts a Sunday meal for all who may benefit from a warm, comfortable setting. Nearly 100 guests, many who are homeless, are invited to rest, watch the ball game, or share in a friendly game of cards. Volunteers help to prepare the meal, serve the food, visit with guests, and clean up. Sign up: cpconline.org/serve/near
URBAN HOMEWORKS WORK DAY Saturday, October 29 • 8:30AM-3:00PM
CPC LIFE
| OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2016
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CPC’s 60th Worship and Celebration Weekend!
A note of thanks from Dottie Anderson Dear CPC members, Sixty years ago you hired Roger Anderson to tell you about Jesus. He told you about Jesus with all his might for thirty-two years. You showed us Jesus. You prayed for us. You fed, clothed, housed, and nurtured our family. You brought us fruit baskets, strawberry pies, brownies, and suppers. You remodeled a cute farmhouse for us. You healed us. You gave us football tickets! You inspired, taught, and encouraged us. There is nothing like the support of a community of believers in Jesus Christ. Thank you, John and Laura Thank you, Rich and Jody Thank you, CPC Thank you, Lord Love, Dottie Anderson “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us.�
W E ’ RE HAVIN G A M OM ’ S M ORNING R EUNIO N !
Tuesday, October 25 6:30-8:30PM in the Fireside Room
FALL PRESCHOOL FAMILY FESTIVAL
Did you attend before 2005? Gather to renew old friendships, forge new ones, and share our vision for staying connected in this season of life. Sign up—and invite other Mom’s Morning friends through the years!
Friday, October 28 5:00-7:00PM in the Fireside Room
cpconline.org/events
RSVP to: jodib@cpconline.org
Share some BBQ and fun as we celebrate fall together! No cost.
14th Annual CPC Holiday Boutique & Cookie Sale AN CHURCH CHRIST PRESBYTERI
Complete your Christmas shopping with artwork, custom crafts, jewelry, soup lunch, cookies, and more. Proceeds benefit missions and ministry scholarships.
S AT U R DAY, N O V E M B E R
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from 9 : 0 0 A M - 4 : 0 0 P M at C P C
Help North Minneapolis kids and teens experience the joy of giving by partnering with Plymouth Youth Christian Center’s Christmas Store. Donate gifts or volunteer your time—over 300 volunteers are needed! November 12/13: Gift suggestion cards available after worship November 26/27-December 5: Return gifts to Great Room December 10: PCYC Christmas Store
Learn more and sign up: cpconline.org/events
MARRIAGES
Catherine Ann White and Andrew Joseph Rosenthal were married on September 10. Pastor Debbie Manning officiated.
Pat Velure passed away on October 1 at the age of 72. The Rev. Dr. John Crosby officiated her memorial service.
RECENTLY HOSPITALIZED
DEATHS
Dean Hiserodt passed away on August 30. He is the father of Janet Janiszewski. Dean and his wife, Pat, were founding members of CPC. Frances Whetstone passed away on September 2 at the age of 99. The Rev. Jody Phenow officiated her memorial service. John A. Lindstrom passed away on September 9 at the age of 89. He is the father of Patty Nelson. Norma Schluter passed away on September 21 at the age of 89. She is the mother of Robin Redman. Don Sather passed away on September 29. He is the husband of Vi. The Rev. Rich Phenow officiated his memorial service. Pam Hohman passed away on October 1 at the age of 62. The Rev. Rich Phenow officiated her memorial service. She is the wife of Gary. Elmo Plumhoff passed away on October 1 at the age of 73. The Rev. Jody Phenow officiated his memorial service. He is the husband of Jane.
Dan Johnson Judy Fetterly Paula Uvodich
STAFF TRANSITIONS
Mara Amiot joins as Director of Operations. Stanton Petersen joins as Associate Director of Elementary. Caitlin Schmidt joins as Wedding Scheduler. Kathleen Selje joins as Elementary Associate.
FINANCIAL UPDATE
June 1–September 30, 2016 Ministry Offering Budget: $1,189,799.03 Actual Offering: $1,069,993.73 Variance: ($119,805.30) YTD Mission Focus Total: $31,702.19 Expenses are under budget year-to-date.
Invited Update
11.8 million committed in pledges | 3.1 million received year-to-date As we close out 2016, we have $870,000 in outstanding pledges. Need to fulfill your pledge? Checks made out to CPC (write “Invited” on the memo line) can be dropped off at the office or in the offering plate. Or visit cpconline.org/invited and click the “Fulfill Your Commitment” button to pay online! You can also join the nearly 700 CPC families who have already made their pledges to Invited on the same web page. Questions? Contact David Peterson, Finance Manager, at 952.920.8515 x206. Construction Update: In October, Anderson Companies was officially selected to work with Tushie Montgomery Architects for CPC’s renovation and expansion. Anderson is a Twin Cities-based firm that is recognized for its experience in construction projects for churches and in managing projects that require critical phasing. The goal at this time is to work to shorten the construction period from fifteen months to twelve+ months; we anticipate that active construction will begin in late February or March.
CPC Life is a publication of Christ Presbyterian Church (CPC).
Email Subscriptions: To receive a link to the online version, contact communications@cpconline.org.
Complimentary copies available at CPC or at cpconline.org.
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Mail Subscriptions: Suggested annual donation of $20. Please write Editor, CPC Life, Christ Presbyterian Church, 6901 Normandale Road, Edina, MN 55435.
© Christ Presbyterian Church 2016
Director of Communications: Sarah Long Editor: Jennifer Boardman Art Direction & Design: Matt Schubbe, Byron McConnell Editorial Assistants: Maggie Keller, Claire Sweem
S R HIP O W – at CPC –
Saturdays at 5:15PM | Contemporary Worship Sundays at 9:30AM | Traditional Worship
Sundays at 11:00AM | Contemporary Worship Sundays at 5:00PM | The Table at CPC
Giving Thanks to God! Begin your Thanksgiving Day celebrations by giving thanks to God for the blessings of life with the CPC community. Music by the Chancel Choir and brass and a sermon by Rich Phenow.
Thanksgiving Day • Thursday, November 24 • 9:30AM
Christ Presbyterian Church
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