OCTOBER/NOVEMBER • 2015
CPC LIFE
|
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
1
CPC Fall Worship Series:
How GOD Has Uniquely Gifted CPC to IMPACT THE WORLD Around Us
W
hy do YOU go to church? And what difference would it make if you didn’t? I’d like to answer that question— for you personally and for us as a community—in our upcoming worship series. We get a glimpse of how the Church is viewed in books like They Like Jesus but Not the Church by Dan Kimball and in conversations where Christianity is often seen as judgmental, meanspirited, out of touch . . . and that’s just the “good” parts! I even attended a seminar that, for me, was highlighted by two disparate statements: “The Church is falling apart and will be completely irrelevant in twenty years” and “The Church has never had more impact on planet Earth.” Can both be true?
In all honesty, I believe it’s always been this way, with the purpose and calling of the Church feeling tantamount in its importance and tenuous in its future. As Anglican
CPC Life is a monthly publication of Christ Presbyterian Church (CPC).
Email Subscriptions: To receive a link to the monthly online version, contact communications@cpconline.org.
Director of Communications: Sarah Long
We welcome your letters and comments! Please email communications@cpconline.org.
Art Direction & Design: Matt Schubbe, Hanna Knutson
Complimentary copies available monthly at CPC or at cpconline.org.
• WE GATHER • • WE ARE KNOWN • • WE SACRIFICE • • WE FOLLOW • • WE INVITE • Archbishop Carey has said, “The Church is always only one generation away from extinction.” Perhaps one of the more important questions to ask is what happens when the Church leaves the scene, or at least abandons its influence? When I was in the West Bank of Israel, a Palestinian said, “We
Mail Subscriptions: Suggested annual © Christ Presbyterian Church 2015 donation of $20. Please write Editor, CPC Life, Christ Presbyterian Church, 6901 Normandale Road, Edina, MN 55435. 2 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 | CPC LIFE
need you in the Holy Land because neither we nor the Jews know how to forgive, and the flight of the Church raises the walls between us.” What would happen if CPC left the scene? “We the Church” is our answer, for you and for our corner of the Twin Cities. I believe we need a new view of what happens at 70th and 100— so we’ll look at the five values that made the Early Church so different from its surroundings, and with that foundation, we’ll get a glimpse of how CPC is uniquely gifted to impact the world around us. Don’t miss it!
John Crosby serves as Senior Pastor.
Editor: Jennifer Boardman
Editorial Assistants: Maggie Keller, Claire Sweem
G
ultimate worth to God. And if our ultimate value is God . . .
live, and how we live proclaims to the world who God is. Isaiah 42 reminds us that we are created by God and summoned into relationship with Him because He loves us. So worship starts with God. Author Constance Cherry says it this way:
H E A T R
Then who we
WORSHIP (God )
is who we
IMITATE
(God )
WORSHIP HAPPENS WHEN WE LEARN TO SAY YES IN EVERINCREASING WAYS TO GOD’S INVITATION TO ENCOUNTER HIM.
BECOME
So, say “YES” this fall to the invitation of God, and join us for worship!
(God )
& who we
IMITATE
Why do we gather to worship Pastor Louie Giglio says that worship is about value: “Worship is our response to what we value most. . . . As a result, worship fuels our actions, becoming the driving force of all we do.” So if worship is about giving worth or value to something, then Christian worship is about giving
is who we
(l ike God)
Church worship services are, in a certain way, the gathered community remembering, acknowledging, and acting out its values. What we do in the worship of God informs how we
FALL WORSHIP SERIES • We the Church October 17/18-November 21/22
Heather Hood serves as Minister of Worship and Music.
THANKSGIVING WORSHIP Thursday, November 26 at 9:30AM
MID -MONTH CHAPEL
ADVENT WORSHIP SERIES • When Heaven Came Down
October 21 & November 18 at 12:00PM
Starts November 28/29
MOSAIC
CANDLELIGHT MEMORIAL SERVICE
October 25 & November 22 at 12:30PM
Tuesday, December 1 at 7:00PM
CPC LIFE
|
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
3
Diane Erickson shares her journey with the Comfort Club, a ministry for women with breast cancer
I
was diagnosed with stage 3a invasive ductal carcinoma when I was 47, two weeks before our oldest daughter graduated from high school. It was May 2006, and my husband and I also had a 15-year-old daughter and a 12-year-old son. The cancer in my breast was fast-growing, aggressive, and had already spread to my lymph nodes. I had surgery right after graduation, chemo from July to October, and radiation through the middle of December. And nine-plus years later, I’m a survivor! When I was diagnosed, I was introduced to a friend-of-a-friend named Martha, who had been through breast cancer a year before. When I called, Martha said, “You’re not going to do this alone. I’m going to be here for you and pray for you.” Right after my surgery she came over, and we had lemonade in my backyard. Then I heard of a past Bible study acquaintance, Maggie, who had surgery for breast cancer the same day I was diagnosed. So the three of us met to talk about our cancer and treatment and to pray for each other. By the time the next month rolled around, a CPC friend of mine and Maggie’s neighbor had been diagnosed. We just kept thinking, Well, let’s do this again. When Maggie wrote on her calendar the next meeting of the “Cancer Club,” her daughter was adamant: “You cannot call this the Cancer Club! Who
would want to be a member of that?!” So we tossed around different names: Breast Friends, The Young and the Breastless, Bosomless Buddies. We had a good sense of humor! But one day as Maggie was doing a devotion based on 2 Corinthians 1:3-5—where we are called to comfort others as we are comforted by God—she decided on the “Comfort Club.” Because that’s what we’re all about. No one
a devotion, listen to new members tell their stories, sometimes read topical books, and pray over our requests. Our members have ranged in age from 26 to their 70s. We have cared for one another practically and spiritually, prayed a 28-year-old wife and mother into heaven, and ministered to non-Christian women going through cancer. God always shows up as we comfort and encourage.
Praise be to the . . . Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
Martha, Maggie, and I weren’t looking for a new ministry when we were diagnosed with breast cancer. We are simply survivors, not professionals. But we realized quickly that God had a plan for this group. He’s right there with us giving us the tools we need to get through the tough times. And He’s there with us when we laugh and hug one another. Every meeting brings a few tears, but almost always more laughter.
should have to go through cancer alone, but bigger than that, no one should have to go through cancer without God. Our club spread by word of mouth as sisters, mothers, and friends were diagnosed. Nine years later we have more than 150 women involved in some way (many by email). We meet monthly, between ten to fifteen women at each meeting. We start with snacks and
I can easily say that the Comfort Club has been a blessing. And since the Comfort Club wouldn’t be here without cancer, I can now say cancer has been a blessing, too. I know a lot of people would say, “How can you say that?!” And I can answer, “Because God has used my cancer for good.” If you would like to learn more about the Comfort Club for yourself or a friend, Diane would love to chat with you. Be in touch at djerickson@me.com.
CPC LIFE
|
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
5
STAFF SPOTLIGHT Jeni Carlson serves as the new Director of Kids’ Ministries.
How CPC Impacts Both Kids and Parents for Christ Q How did you get started in Kids’ Ministries?
In college I had aspirations in interior design, but it wasn’t a good fit for me. I moved on to Elementary Education, subbed for a couple of years, but couldn’t find that full-time position I longed for. So I began praying Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” In that season of prayer, I attended a seminary class with my husband and spoke with a youth pastor heading up a search team for kids’ ministries. My initial response when she asked if I might be interested? “Absolutely not.” I could only think of my hometown kids’ ministries director, who wasn’t friendly and didn’t look happy. But after praying, more conversation, and with my husband’s encouragement, I came to see that this was one of the good works I had been praying for. Three churches later, I’m now serving as Director of Kids’ Ministries at CPC!
Q As Christians, we are followers of Christ. As a leader in Kids’ Ministries, how do you think children learn to follow Jesus with their lives?
Parents are primary in their children’s lives, and the Church plays a secondary role. For faith to really stick, it has to go beyond the Church’s influence. I recognize that while our team pours into children, we’re not there as they get ready for prom or walk down the aisle. Parents are number one influencers. It can be intimidating for us as parents to pass faith on to our kids. But the mysterious thing about faith is it’s not something that we teach rote to our children. It’s dynamic, personal, and driven by our own experience with God. We don’t have to be experts at faith, but we have to be part of the conversation. Families learn together from the Bible; parents live faith out loud alongside their children. In my previous roles, I was doing frontline ministry: recruiting parents, training volunteers, teaching kids. But now I am pouring into a team of leaders, who, in turn, impact the kids. It’s leadership multiplication, discipleship making. If I model my faith to my team, then, Lord willing, they take that enthusiasm into their leadership, and more and more children come to faith. It’s big, exciting, and not without risk.
Q What would be your perfect day?
Because I love seeing God at work in creation, I would love to be hiking in the mountains. I see nature as God’s handprint, a reflection of His faithfulness. The rigor of living life out loud in a faith context is difficult—trying to be a good wife, mom, and leader all at the same time is challenging. But we know the end of the story. Through our faith, we have confidence that all is going to be okay, that we will prevail, and that God is always with us.
FAST FACTS
ABOUT JENI
Hometown: Cambridge, MN Family: Dan (married 23 years), Micaiah (19), Abi (17), and Noah (12) Hobbies: Being outside, gardening, reading, walking the dog, exploring museums
Guilty Pleasure: Chocolate (dark, milk, or anything in between) Book I can read again & again: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
Put simply, DEACONS are the hands and feet of Jesus. Through their sacrifice of time and their dedication to service, they meet the needs of our community, both inside and outside our walls. And they do it all in the name of Jesus, bringing His love to others.
77 THERE ARE CURRENTLY
DEACONS AT CPC SERVING
THREE-YEAR TERMS.
THE DEACONS COORDINATE
THESE SPECIAL MINISTRIES
AT CPC
• Serving coffee & lemonade during weekend worship • Greeting at the Welcome Center • Serving Communion • Calling members to inquire about needs or prayer requests • Serving seniors through Mid-Month Chapel and Edynamoes luncheons • Coordinating baked goods donations for memorial services • Delivering Christmas & Easter flowers to shut-ins
Families Moving Forward
And the deacons join these existing ministries to further their reach:
Joy of Giving
Loaves and Fishes
Hope for Hunger
Urban Homeworks
Calvary Meals
Camp Heartland
They work with such humility, you may not even know you’ve been served by a deacon! (But you can spot them with red nametags in the Great Room on weekends.) We are grateful for their commitment to act sacrificially and support those in need within CPC and beyond. Deacons are selected through a process of nomination and interview.
If you know someone who would serve CPC well as a deacon, nominate them by submitting their name to Debbie Ducar (debbied@cpconline.org). CPC LIFE
|
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
7
the POWER of STORY The blind beggar shares his story of a miraculous encounter with Jesus.
W
alking down the street, Jesus saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked, “Rabbi, who sinned: this man or his parents, causing him to be born blind?”
Jesus said, “You’re asking the wrong question. You’re looking for someone to blame. Look instead for what God can do.” He said this and then spit in the dust, made a clay paste with the saliva, rubbed the paste on the blind man’s eyes, and said, “Go, wash at the Pool of Siloam.”
JOHN 9, Abbreviated from THE MESSAGE
THE MAN WENT AND WASHED—AND SAW. Soon the town was buzzing. His relatives and those who year after year had seen him as a blind man begging were saying, “Why, isn’t this the man we knew, who sat here and begged?” He said, “It’s me, the very one.” They said, “How did your eyes get opened?” “A man named Jesus made a paste and rubbed it on my eyes and told me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ I did what he said. When I washed, I saw.” It was the Sabbath. Some of the Pharisees said, “Obviously, this man can’t be from God. He doesn’t keep the Sabbath.” Others countered, “How can a bad man do miraculous, God-revealing things like this?” There was a split in their ranks. They came back at the blind man, “You’re the expert. He opened your eyes. What do you say about Him?”
HE • SAID •
“HE IS A PROPHET. I WAS BLIND . . . I NOW SEE.”
Jesus went and found the man, asking him, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” The man said, “Point Him out to me, sir, so that I can believe in Him.” Jesus said, “You’re looking right at Him. Don’t you recognize My voice?” “Master, I believe,” the man said, and worshiped Him. Jesus said “I came into the world to bring everything into the clear light of day, making all the distinctions clear, so that those who have never seen will see, and those who have made a great pretense of seeing will be exposed as blind.”
the POWER of STORY Four reflections on how stories invite others to see Jesus working today. YOUR STORY IS UNIQUE
Here is this no-name guy: a beggar, blind from birth. He wasn’t looking for Jesus or healing. In fact, the disciples brought him to Jesus as a prop for their question about sin’s possible connection to suffering. Imagine this blind beggar’s story—a life alone, rejected, blind. A life of suffering and shame. Then Jesus and mud and saliva and washing . . . and sight. A life-altering miracle. “I was blind, and now I see!” We each have our own stories, even if they’re not as dramatic as the blind man’s. But in the Kingdom's economy, we are all blind beggars who have been given sight. You have your own unique story of how Jesus—by His Spirit and power—has shown up in your life with His healing touch.
YOUR STORY IS NOT DONE
I think about this blind man saying, “I thought my story was done. I thought I was destined to die young, to die blind, to die in my sin.” But God wanted to heal him: first from physical blindness and then from spiritual blindness. What’s the rest of his story? How many people did he tell of Jesus’ love? Like him, your story— and its impact—is not yet done.
YOUR STORY grows STRONGER with the TELLING
Throughout his questioning from the Pharisees, the former blind man became bolder, finally asserting, “If this man were not from God, He could do nothing.” The more you tell your story of how Jesus has engaged, healed, and changed you, the bolder you get with your witness to His grace, truth, and power. When I hear others’ faith stories, I feel my own faith growing, and my desire to tell my story grows, too. As we keep telling our stories—in the Sanctuary, in CPC Life articles, in our small groups, in our homes, in our workplaces—we plant seeds. And seeds always grow.
YOUR STORY BRINGS HIM GLORY
Like bookends, John 9 begins and ends with truth. In verse 3, Jesus says the blind man’s story is intended to showcase the power of God. By verse 38, the formerly blind man says, “Lord, I believe,” and he worships Jesus. We tell our stories to point people to Jesus. In Revelation 5, we tell our story in unison when ten thousand times ten thousand of us circle the throne and say: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” So keep telling your story. It is unique, it is not done, it grows stronger every time you tell it, and it brings glory, honor, and praise to Jesus.
This reflection was originally shared by Steve Mader during a Session retreat in February 2015. Steve is an ordained pastor trained in counseling and coaching; he currently serves as a CPC elder.
CPC LIFE
|
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
9
Octo be r/Nove mber Happe nings E V E NT S MID-MONTH CHAPEL
Wednesdays • October 21 & November 18 • 12:00PM • Chapel A traditional service with a short message by John Crosby (October) and Rich Phenow (November), hymns, Communion, and prayers. Lunch follows. No reservation necessary.
ALL SAINTS’ WEEKEND
Saturday & Sunday • October 31 & November 1 during all services All Saints’ Weekend is a time to celebrate loved ones who have gone home to heaven in the past year. A slide show is shown to honor those who’ve had a memorial service at CPC.
ORGAN RECITAL BY JANE NIENABER Friday, November 6 • 7:30PM • Sanctuary Join us for an evening of organ and choral music as our CPC organist, Jane Nienaber, and the Chancel Choir feature works for the Fall church festivals: All Saints, Christ the King, and Thanksgiving. No cost. Sponsored by the CPC Christian Fine Arts Committee.
HOLIDAY BAKE SALE
Drop off: Friday, November 20 between 12:00-6:15PM • Great Room Help raise money for CPC’s Women’s Ministries mission partners by baking cookies to sell at CPC’s Holiday Boutique. Place one dozen holiday cookies/bars on a paper plate in a gallon Ziploc bag. Label if cookies are “nut free” or “contain nuts.”
HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE & COOKIE SALE Saturday, November 21 • 9:00AM-4:00PM An opportunity to purchase artwork, custom crafts, jewelry, pottery, food, cookies, and more to benefit missions and ministry scholarships. Linda Cravens at 952.922.5473
THANKSGIVING DAY SERVICE
Thursday, November 26 • 9:30AM • Sanctuary Begin your Thanksgiving Day celebration with us as a worshiping community, offering our thanks to God.
CANDLELIGHT MEMORIAL SERVICE Tuesday, December 1 • 7:00PM • Sanctuary Begin Advent with a time to honor those you have lost over the years and set our hearts on the coming Messiah. Dessert follows.
10
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
| | C PC CP CL ILFIEF E
K I DS & S T U DE NT S No Kids’ or Student programming on November 25.
K IDS WEEKEND PROGRAMS
During Saturday 5:15PM, Sunday 9:30AM, 11:00AM, & 5:00PM services Ministering to kids through 6th grade and their families.
New This Year! The Chapel
Sundays • 9:30 & 11:00AM • Chapel An in-depth exploration of God’s Big Story for 5th-8th graders. Sign up: cpconline.org/kids
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: THE JUNCTION
Wednesdays beginning September 23 • 5:00-7:30PM Where K-6th graders learn more about God and live out their faith through music, reading the Bible, and fellowship: • Dinner (5:00-6:15PM) – available to all • Choirs (5:45-6:30PM) – K-5th graders • Programs (6:30-7:30PM) – 1st-6th graders Cost: $30/first child, $20/second child, $10/third child; max $60/family. Sign up: cpconline.org/kids
FALL FAM JAM FOR PRESCHOOLERS AND FAMILIES
Saturday, October 31 • 9:00-10:45AM • Multi-Purpose Room Join us for crafts, cookie decorating, face painting, and air jumping. No cost. Sign up: marthan@cpconline.org
FAMILY ADVENT CELEBRATION
Friday, December 4 • 6:30-8:00PM Enjoy crafts, Christmas caroling, family games, and a service project. No registration required. cpconline.org/events
ELE VATE & COMMITMENT CL A SS WEDNESDAY NIGHTS
Wednesdays, October 21, 28 & November 4, 11, 18 • 6:15-7:30PM For 7th-9th graders. Please note: October 28 is Service Learning Night. vanc@cpconline.org lexis@cpconline.org
CC FALL RETREAT
Saturday, October 31-Sunday, November 1 • Camp Iduhapi (Loretto, MN) Get away with CC! Hilarious games, awesome talks, and a great time to bond with leaders and small groups. Cost: $85. Sign up: cpconline.org/events
HAPPENINGS | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
HSM HSM LARGE GROUP
Wednesdays, October 21 & November 18 • 8:00-9:15PM trevort@cpconline.org
WOMEN’S CHRISTMAS BRUNCH
Saturday, December 5 • 9:00-11:00AM • Fellowship Hall Join other women of CPC for a Christmas celebration! Enjoy delicious food and hear Jo Bender Rathammer, former TV meteorologist and current host of the radio program Faith Matters, speak. Cost: $12. Sign up: cpconline.org/events
HSM HOUSE GROUPS
STUDIES
Wednesdays, October 28 & November 4, 11 • 8:00-9:15PM mycahb@cpconline.org
SPECIAL NEEDS TAPESTRY
Tuesdays, October 27, November 10 & 24 • 6:30-7:30PM In CPC’s ministry for kids and students with special needs, we explore 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
MOSAIC WORSHIP SERVICE
Sundays, October 25 & November 22 • 12:30PM • Sanctuary Mosaic is a worship service for kids and students with special needs and their families. Noises, sounds, and movements are welcome! Followed by a light lunch. brooksw@cpconline.org
A D U LT S ENCOURAGEMENT NIGHT FOR SMALL GROUP LEADERS
Tuesday, November 3 • 7:00-8:15PM • Fireside Room 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
SOUL CARE SATURDAY
Saturday, November 7 • 9:00AM-12:00PM • Anderson Hall In community with others, take time to feast on God’s Word. With a focus on the Psalms, listen to God as you wrestle with Scripture. Steph Spencer, former CPC staff member, leads this spiritual formation mini-retreat. Cost: $25. Sign up: cpconline.org/events
WOMEN WHO INSPIRE
Friday, November 13 • 6:30-9:00PM • Great Room Do you ever avoid having tough conversations? You’re not alone. Best-selling author, Emmy award winner, and founder of the Fearless Living Institute, Rhonda Britten teaches us to have “Fearless Conversations” with anyone, anywhere, anytime. Make new friends, connect with old ones, and enjoy beautiful music by Grace Lukens. You’ll leave with lots of practical tips for having fearless conversations in all areas of your life! Sign up: cpconline.org/events
PARENTAL GUIDANCE NECESSARY (PG)
Wednesdays, November 4 & December 2 • 6:30-7:30PM • Chapel PG seeks to equip parents through the challenges and joys of raising Christian kids in a secular world. • November: Lee Blum on “The Crazy Maze of Body Image” • December 2: Kyle Jackson on “Family as Team”
G RO U PS SINGLE PARENT FAMILY MINISTRY
Thursday, October 22 • 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. This month Pete Larson, Executive Director of Family Fest Ministries, speaks. Childcare and programming for infants through 12 years. No cost. sarahn@cpconline.org
SUNDAY COMMUNITIES
Sundays • 9:30AM or 10:45AM • new series begins November 8 Sunday Communities offer a place to belong and a place to grow with people in a similar life stage. • FRESH START (new for engaged & newly married) with Todd & Laura Mulliken (9:30AM – Fellowship Hall West) • MIXED TAPES (20s & 30s) “Raising Kids with Big Love II” with Becky Danielson (9:30AM – Fellowship Hall West) • S.A.L.T. (40s & 50s) with Carrie Gleeson (9:30AM – Fellowship Hall East) • A.C.T.S. (50s & 60s) “Philippians” with James & Anna Madsen (9:20AM – Fellowship Hall Center) • MORE (Active Retired) “Understanding ECO: The Whats and Whys of our New Denomination” with Maggie Keller (10:45AM – Room 107) • CREDO (Intergenerational) “Six Stages in Our Spiritual Journey: Insights from John’s Gospel” with Randy Anderson (10:45AM – Room 10 South)
CPC BOOK CLUB
Thursday, November 19 • 7:00PM • Room 201 We select our 2016 books. Nancy Reutiman at 952.920.1837
MEN THURSDAY MORNING MEN’S GROUPS
Several existing Thursday men’s small groups welcome new participants. Sign up: cpconline.org/adults/groups
CCPPCC L LI FI FE E
|
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
11
2015 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | HAPPENINGS
DAD’S GROUP
Wednesdays • 6:25-7:30PM • Parlor Led by Allen Pofahl and Tom Wagner, this group meets whenever there is Wednesday night programming for kids and students. We focus on growing in our roles as dads of young children through early high school. Sign up: cpconline.org/events
WOMEN
NESTERS CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
MOMS OF TEENS
LARGE GROUP OCTOBER/NOVEMBER Thursdays, October 22 & November 19 • 9:15-11:15AM October: Carrie Gleeson, Director of Student Ministries, speaks on “The Art of Avoiding Entitlement.” Providing a safe environment for teens to experience failure before they leave the house could help you avoid having an entitled child. November: Pete Larson of Family Fest Ministries speaks on “Loving Teens in Their Language.” Cost: $5 per session at the door. SMALL GROUPS Thursdays • 9:30-11:30AM • Room 107 (meets twice a month) Recieve support and discuss a Christian teen parenting book. Colette Prohofsky at 952.920.8714
MOM’S MORNING
LARGE GROUP Wednesdays, October 28 & November 11 • 9:30-11:30AM • Fireside Room Join other moms for fellowship and inspirational speakers. October: We welcome Heather Flies, Junior High Pastor from Wooddale Church. November: Fall Fellowship Day. Enjoy fellowship, conversations, and relaxation. Cost: $50/year; $60/ momsmorning.cpc@gmail.com child for childcare. Sign up: cpconline.org/adults/groups SMALL GROUPS Meets 1st, 3rd, & 5th Wednesdays • 9:30-11:30AM Groups allow you to develop relationships through Bible study, prayer, fellowship, and Christ-centered support. Cost: $60/child Sign up: cpconline.org/adults/groups
AMAZING GRACE BOOK GROUP
Monday, November 9 • 1:00PM • Parlor We discuss Charles Martin’s new book, Water from the Heart. All are welcome! Carol Krebs at 952.944.6639.
EVENING MOM’S GROUP
Thursdays • 7:00-8:30PM • Room 200 Join with other moms in this recently formed group to connect and grow together in faith. Geared toward moms with young kids through elementary age. Sign up: cpconline.org/events
OLDER ADULTS EDYNAMOES
Wednesdays, October 28 & December 2 11:30AM • Fellowship Hall October: Join us for a delicious lunch and “Act Happy,” a
12 12 O COTCOTBOEBRE/ RN /ONVOEVMEBMEBRE 2R 021 05 1 5 |
program by Dale Anderson, M.D. Happiness is good medicine, and for the health of it, put on a happy face! Sign up by October 26. December: Begin the joy of the holidays with a program entitled “Christmas Celebration.” Debra Gilroy sings in her deeply rich voice to savor as a warm memory during the winter months! We’ll also collect toys/donations for Christmas! Sign Sign up with Judy Romine: up by November 30. Cost: $5. 952.929.4983
| CCPPCC LLI IFFEE
Saturday, December 5 • 6:30PM • Fellowship Hall Join CPC’s active retired community for dinner and entertainment. Dramatist Brian Bopp presents “My Blessed Christmas.” Cost: $15/person. Sign up: Great Room on Sundays in November or debc@cpconline.org
CIRCLES (WOMEN 60+)
Fellowship, learning, and service in a small group setting; new members always welcome. Esther Circle Wednesday, November 4 • 1:30PM • Bloomington Women of CPC are welcome to join us for fellowship and a study on faith. njb614@comcast.net Martha Circle Wednesday, October 21 & November 18 10:00AM • Parlor Pastor Dee McIntosh joins us in October. In November, please bring a gift appropriate for a child to a mom for the Santa Shop at Cornerstone. Pat Haberkorn at 952.941.4188 Lydia Circle Saturday, October 24 • 9:30AM • Parlor Saturday, November 21 • 11:00AM • Great Room October: bring a treat for yourself; coffee provided. November: meet for lunch at the 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
COUPLE S 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 one evening a month in homes. We are launching new groups for 20s-30s, 30s-40s, 40s-50s, and 50s and up. Sign up: cpconline.org/events
CARE ABUNDANTLY SATISFIED
Sundays, October 18, November 1 & 15 9:30-10:30AM • Room 203 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 | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
GRACE & HOPE FOR OUR CHILDREN
Tuesdays, October 20 & November 17 • 7:00-8:30PM • Parlor Does your child experience emotional or mental health issues? You are not alone. October: support and fellowship. November: information about 24/7 emergency mobile services from Hennepin County Child Crisis Services and COPE (Community Outreach for Psychiatric Emergencies). dbrown@dcbrowninc.com
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
Saturday, October 24 • 10:00AM-12:00PM • Anderson Hall Friday, November 13 • 10:00AM-12:00PM • Parlor The goal of our ministry is to knit or crochet shawls made with the hope of being vessels for God’s presence and comfort. Experience not needed; all are welcome! Coaching and materials can be provided. Pat Johnson at 952.947.0734
GRIEF RECOVERY
Tuesday, November 10 • 6:00-8:30PM • Parlor Grief Recovery is for those who have lost a loved one. We share a meal and welcome hospice chaplain Carolyn Cochran presenting on “Surviving the Holidays.” No reservation needed. debbiem@cpconline.org
ALZHEIMER’S EDUCATION SERIES
Thursday, November 12 • 6:30-8:00PM • Fireside Room A series for care partners and those with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Debbie Richman from Alzheimer’s Association MN-ND presents “Effective Communication Strategies with Dementia.” No reservation needed. marya@cpconline.org
INFERTILITY CARE GROUP
Thursday, November 12 • 7:00-8:30PM • Room 107 “Do you have kids?” is a familiar question for married couples. But it’s a difficult question when couples experience infertility. If you are experiencing infertility, this new care group is for you to receive support. debbiem@cpconline.org
NEW BEGINNINGS
Saturday, November 21 • 9:00AM • Pannekoeken Huis on Excelsior Blvd in St. Louis Park 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! Sign up: debc@cpconline.org
S E RV E NEAR URBAN VENTURES HARVEST
Sunday, October 25 • Depart CPC at 12:15PM You’ve purchased fresh produce from the Urban Ventures Mobile Farmers Market—now see where it all comes from! Together we’ll drive down to the Urban Ventures farm in Lakeville and help them harvest kale! Sign up: cpconline.org/events
URBAN HOMEWORKS
Saturday, November 7 • 8:30AM-3:00PM Work alongside other CPCers aged 16 and over to rehab a home in North Minneapolis. Work includes a variety of chores; all skill levels are welcome. Enjoy a group lunch at a local restaurant. Sign up: cpconline.org/events
LOAVES AND FISHES
Friday, November 20 • 2:00-3:30PM (meal prep) and/or 5:007:00PM (serve and cleanup) • Creekside Community Center Prepare, serve, and clean up a meal on third Friday of each month. chuckjodee1947@msn.com
CALVARY BAPTIST MEALS
Sunday, November 22 • 1:00-4:00PM • Calvary Baptist Prepare and serve meals for the homeless. boppy0215@msn.com
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. • Volunteers needed to accept donations, sort toys, prepare the store for its young visitors, or work the day of the sale, December 12. • Gift cards available: beginning November 14 • Gift collection boxes available: November 28-December 7 jtcarrol7@comcast.net
N E WS
LGBTQ FAMILY GROUP
A new group is forming for parents and family members of someone who is LGBTQ. Discuss how to best love and support loved ones and each other. rgarton1@msn.com
FA M I LY HEARTCORE PARENTING CONFERENCE
Saturday, November 14 • 8:30AM-2:00PM • Fireside Room Get to the CORe of parenting with LOVE! 1 Corinthians 13 Parenting presents an inspiring event about getting to the heart of raising children and what it means to parent according to the Word of God. $25. Sign up: cpconline.org/events
MISSON PARTNER OF OCTOBER: OPPORTUNITY INTERNATIONAL (OI)
Learn: OI is a global non-profit organization that helps people in developing nations work their way out of poverty, strengthen families, and improve communities. OI provides loans, savings programs, and training to expand businesses, provide for their families, and create jobs in communities. Give: All October donations go toward CPC’s partnership with OI in Nicaragua. To give, please write “OI” in the memo line of your check, send to CPC, or place in the offering plate during service. Go: A CPC GO!Trip travels with OI to Nicaragua from June 20-25. cpconline.org
C P CC PL C I F EL I F E| |O COT CO TBOE BR E/ RN /ONVOE VMEBME BRE 2R 0 21 05 1 5 13 13
ECO : A N U PDATE WHERE WE’VE BEEN • CPC officially joined ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians on May 29, 2015. • On August 28-29, 2015 CPC hosted a meeting of the ECO Presbytery of the West, including ECO churches from Minnesota, North Dakota, and Iowa. • Today ECO has grown to over 200 churches with 80,000 members. One hundred fifty churches are in the process of joining ECO, and 24 churches are in the process of being planted.
WHERE WE STAND As new members of this denomination, we support ECO’s four priorities for our church: • Lift up the centrality of the Gospel.
• Prioritize a wave of church innovation.
• Grow with an emerging generation of leaders.
• Create an atmosphere of relational accountability.
WHERE WE’RE GOING • Plans are being made to pay off the remaining balance of $1.8 million (of the $2.13 million) departure payment to the PC(USA) in 2016. • With the growth of ECO membership in our area, we committed to the formation of a smaller ECO Upper Midwest Presbytery that CPC will join in January. • CPC elders and staff will join with all ECO churches on January 26-28, 2016 at a national gathering in California.
Please be in prayer about this exciting new season for CPC. For questions about CPC and ECO, please contact John Mitchell, Executive Pastor, at jmitchell@cpconline.org.
14
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
|
CPC LIFE
IN OUR
CONGRATULATIONS TO:
Kevin and Rebecca Des Lauriers on the birth of their son, Maddox Rhys, on August 4. Daniel and Maren Chettri on the birth of their son, Gavin Rasmus, on August 14. Gavin’s grandparents are Bob and Sharon Heiberg. Trista Pearl McGlynn and Thomas Walker Leach, who were married on September 6. The Rev. Rich Phenow officiated.
RECENTLY HOSPITALIZED:
Kit and Ashley Leary on the birth of their twins, son, Hudson, and daughter, Taylor, on October 1.
SYMPATHY TO:
John Barnett on the passing of his father, Dr. Robert Barnett, on August 19.
Robyn Wenham left her position as Childcare Coordinator.
Carol Hadlund (wife) and Hugh Hadlund (son) on the passing of Ralph Hadlund on August 25.
Eryn Meyer left her position as Childcare Associate.
FINANCIAL UPDATE
Noel Totten (husband) and Renee, Nicholas, and Sarah (children) on the passing of Cynthia Woodbridge Totten on September 4.
Jeremy and Molly Knudsen on the birth of their son, Cole Michael, on September 18.
Beth Schneider on the passing of her mother, Ann Cass, on September 18.
Andrea Paetznick and Steven Adam Miller, who were married on September 26. Pastor Debbie Manning co-officiated.
STAFF TRANSITIONS
Susan Schuler on the passing of her husband, Charles Schuler, on August 24.
Anne Elizabeth Manning and Jacob Benjamin Schmiesing, who were married on September 18. Matt Moberg, Director of The Table at CPC, officiated.
Julie Baker and William TenBroek, who were married on September 19. The Rev. Deb Kielsmeier officiated.
Barb Jongdahl Pixie Pixler Clare Anderson Betsy Winger Alice Jolink
JUNE 1, 2015 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2015
Irene Wales on the passing of her husband, Grant Wales, on September 19.
Ministry Offering Budget: $1,143,631.00 Actual Offering: $1,141,908.90 Variance: ($1,722.10) YTD Mission Focus Total $47,002.12
Expenses are under budget year-to-date.
Duncan Anderson on the passing of his father, Dr. Jo Eagle Anderson, on September 20. Marilyn Tyckoson (sister) and Bob Tyckoson (nephew) on the passing of Jean Miller on September 24.
YOUR 2016 COMMITMENT In November of each year, we invite our CPC community to give to our annual Ministry Fund, which fuels our mission. Make your 2016
Commitment cards
Please return by the end
financial commitment
mailed to homes in
of the month or visit
to CPC.
November.
cpconline.org/give.
CPC LIFE
|
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
15