OC TOBER • NOV EMBER 2 01 9
M••O O••V V••EE M
GOD WELCOMES US
GOD FREES US
GOD TEACHES US
GOD SAVES US
GOD CREATES US GOD CLAIMS US
GOD HEARS US
STORY GOD HEALS US
THE
SCRIPTURE
I
n our worship services now through Easter, we will be following the arc of Scripture, spending time in different parts of the Bible so that we have a biblical foundation and understanding for living as Christ followers in the world. Our desire is to prepare for and live into the future of CPC, so that we can pay attention to God’s invitation and calling on our lives. We receive all kinds of messages about what life is about, and we believe Scripture has its own message to share. The central story of Scripture is God’s relationship with His creation; it is the story of the Creator’s love for and pursuit of the created. The Bible shows us that in the beginning, God creates humans in the Garden of Eden for relationship with Him; and in the end, God dwells with His people in uninhibited glory. Through the arc of this great rescue plan, we witness how God is on the move! Scripture is not static information or a history book, but God’s voice THE CENTRAL STORY OF SCRIPTURE IS entering into human history to take GOD’S RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS CREATION; divine and decisive action in both word and deed. In fact, it requires IT IS THE STORY OF THE CREATOR’S LOVE God’s action because He’s the only FOR AND PURSUIT OF THE CREATED. one who can remedy the problem the Bible is trying to solve—our brokenness and need for a Savior. The aim of Scripture is to transform the lives of humans, bringing them out of disastrous self-rule and under the gracious rule of God. God provides a way for humans to meaningfully participate in His transformative purpose: it’s Scripture. Through our knowledge and understanding of the Word, God works to make us a countercultural people for His sake. God’s desire has always been to have a people who reflect His character and purpose in the world, which leads to a community of the Word. The Word of God has a people; the people of God have the Word. Join us this fall as we see how God moves throughout the Old Testament and as we seek to know how God wants to work in our lives and world today.
P E T E Y C R O W D E R serves as E XECUTIVE PASTOR
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THE GOD OF
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YESTE RDAY, TO DAY, & FOR E VE R
remember the first time I read the Old Testament. I started with Genesis, and I was fascinated by the creation story and the characters I met in its pages. But before long, I started to wonder about some of the stories I encountered. The characters I upheld as models fell short over and over again, I encountered long lists of names that seemed tedious, and I could tell the cultural norms at work were vastly different from life today. So, I stopped reading. Looking back on that time, I now see how much I was missing out on.
The story of the Old Testament is complex. It is an ancient narrative involving specific cultures and complex characters. But at the heart of the Old Testament is the God we worship: A God who is powerful, loving, and who desires to be in relationship with us. Reading the Old Testament certainly presents challenges. However, if we allow the challenges we face in reading the Old Testament to stop us from engaging with it, we can easily lose sight of the God we worship and the will that He has for us.
Throughout the Old Testament, God moves—He engages with humanity in active, intentional ways. God creates us, loves us, claims us, and calls us into relationship with Him. The Old Testament first tells us how God creates the world and humanity to be in relationship with Him. We then watch as God claims a people for His own and frees them from slavery and oppression. God instructs His people on how to have a healthy relationship with Him and with one another. God forgives, heals, and welcomes them into His family. And over and over again, God tell us that He hears His people when they call to Him. This is the God that we meet in the pages of the Old Testament. This same God sent His Son into the world to demonstrate His love for us. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus lives out the will of His Father. He heals, teaches, rebukes, and loves those He encounters. And Jesus does all of this, because, as He says: “I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father” (John 8:31). Jesus came into the world as God’s very own Son so that we may know and love God our Father even more deeply. Jesus also tells us, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness” (John 12:44-46). Jesus knew that all He did and all He said reflected the glory and will of the God who had been faithfully walking with His people since the very beginning of creation.
BUT AT THE HEART OF THE OLD TESTAMENT IS THE GOD WE WORSHIP: A GOD WHO IS POWERFUL, LOVING, AND WHO DESIRES TO BE IN RELATIONSHIP WITH US.
Over the course of the coming weeks, we will focus our minds and hearts on the God who we meet in the pages of the Old Testament. We will see how God actively pursues a relationship with humanity and faithfully walks with us in every season of life. We will also see how every action that God takes toward humanity is demonstrated in the life of Jesus, God’s Son. God desires to be in relationship with us, and He meets us right where we are. Perhaps you are in a season of joy and abundance. If so, praise God. We will celebrate how God provides for us out of the riches of His love. Alternatively, you may be in a time of uncertainty and wandering. We will see how God hears us, shows up for us in times of darkness, and guides us into His marvelous light. We hope that you will join us, and that together we will come to know and love the God of yesterday, today, and forever.
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MELISSA SCHASER serves as P A S T O R of CONGREGATION A L CA RE , L AY E MP O W E R ME N T
UNDERSTANDING the OLD TESTAMENT Many Christians find the Old Testament long, intimidating, or just too confusing to read. Join Dr. Nick Schaser for a closer look into the Scriptures of ancient Israel— a great companion to our October/November worship series that walks through the Old Testament. This seven-week class will equip you with practical knowledge about important figures, events, and theology.
Sundays, October 6-November 17 6:15-7:30PM • Westview Cost: $10 Sign up: cpconline.org/classes
New IN WORSHIP
To best engage our congregation and visitors into relational community with God and one another, we’ve altered some elements in weekend worship. KIDS IN WORSHIP
• All families are encouraged to have their preschool and elementary children with them in worship each week to help kids participate with the larger church in the worship of God. Children will be dismissed part way through the services to go to Kids’ Ministries, where they will be taught an age-appropriate Bible message, which replaces the children’s sermon. We acknowledge that some will feel the loss of the children’s sermon in worship. We invite and encourage a spirit of flexibility and openness as we seek best practices to engage children in growing and deepening their faith. • On Communion weekends, there is no Kids’ programming for elementary students so they may participate in worship and take Communion with their families. Worship activity bags are available for kids at the entrance to the Sanctuary. To learn the meaning and practice of Holy Communion, families are encouraged to participate in a Communion Workshop. See page 12 for more info. • We will continue to celebrate children in worship with Bible Sunday, baptisms, the kids’ choirs and musical, and occasionally having children lead parts of our worship services.
Please welcome our kids and families into worship, even when they are a little noisy! COMMUNION
To assist with the serving of Communion, we have streamlined our system: Communion servers will now serve the congregation first, then serve each other at their stations, painting the picture of pastors and lay leaders serving together as the priesthood of all believers.
CONTEMPOR ARY WORSHIP
We have increased the number of songs in our contemporary services as an opportunity for the congregation to more fully engage in the praise of God. To help, we have experimented with drawing the window shades and darkening the room to limit distractions and increase focus on our worship of Jesus.
Have a question or helpful insight? Please reach out to a pastor.
D O U G J O H N S O N • FA I T H S T O R Y
I
grew up going to Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Minneapolis, but as a teen, I felt the weight of the world. My parents weren’t happily married, my mother had emotional illnesses. It was the Cold War, and Russia was going to blow us out of existence. I had an overwhelming sense that the world was a mess.
So in 1970 between my junior and senior year of high school, I became a Christian. It happened when I was at Bible camp, but I didn’t do the altar call. I’d seen the same classmates do that year after year, and I wanted something more serious than that—I didn’t want to participate in something that didn’t “stick.” I was looking for deep meaning, but it wasn’t just for me—it was because I felt the world needed some hope. I found that hope in Jesus, so I prayed with a trusted friend and asked Him to be my Lord. When I was at Bethel College, I became aware of the Dutch philosopher Herman Dooyeweerd, in the tradition of Abraham Kuyper. I felt Christianity needed to say something to the problems of the world, that it not just be an escape, a pass to heaven. Kuyper and Dooyeweerd taught that God is sovereign to all creation, that everything belongs to Jesus as Lord. So whether in business or society, in church or family, in our language and thought—everything we do in life and all of our culture is impacted by our faith. “Life is religion” is a slogan from this tradition, and it resonated with me. I saw its parallel with the Apostle Paul, who said that we are to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice.” Your whole life is a sacrifice.
WE ARE CALLED TO READ SCRIPTURE BECAUSE IT NOT ONLY TELLS GOD’S STORY; AS CHRISTIANS, IT IS OUR STORY.
I’ve always been “bookish”—I love to study; I have piles of books in my “to read” list and lots of books that I’ve loaned to others. But I also know that I need something to keep me in Scripture and reading the Bible. I love to read science fiction and railroad history and then make model trains! I’m not very good at daily devotionals, but my class at CPC keeps me in God’s Word. What I’ve learned is that when we read Scripture, we see the entirety of God’s story: creation, fall, and redemption. We see how the Old Testament points to Jesus and how Jesus continually points back to the Old Testament. We witness God’s covenant with Abraham to be a blessing to the earth, to be a solution to this mess. Do you want to know what breaks God’s heart? Read the prophets, and see how God’s people turn to idols because they don’t trust in Him. We are called to read Scripture because it not only tells God’s story; as Christians, it is our story.
REC OMMENDATIONS
I want to be part of something that offers hope to this world now. I believe as Christians, we need to be active participants in caring for the world, fixing problems, and facing injustice. I want my life, as a follower of Jesus, to transform culture. Our actions can feel small or fruitless when we face the big needs in the world. What fills our days—meetings, work, volunteering, recreation—is not meant to be something we do in addition or in spite of our relationship with Jesus. Instead, these things are meant to be an expression of my relationship with Jesus. When I do this, I am living out His call to be salt and light. And there is great hope in that.
MAGAZINE: C omment from Cardus cardus.ca/comment
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MUSICIAN: Bruce Cockburn
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from
DOUG’S L IB R A RY
AUTHORS: Jim Skillen Robert Farrar Capon N. T. Wright Brian Walsh James K. A. Smith
Kids choirs rehearsing
Pastor Ron at Wednesday dinner
Fun for all ages!
Friends at SIX8
Club large group
Youth worship in Westview
S TA FF SP OT LIGH T K AREN RULIFSON HOMETOWN: Rapid City, SD FAMILY: husband, David (married 20 years) and daughter Elysa (10) HOBBIES: reading and being outdoors—hiking, walking, playing outside with Elysa FAVORITE BOOKS: The Mitford series by Jan Karon GUILTY PLEASURE: going salsa or swing dancing
TELL US A LIT TLE BIT A BOUT YOUR ROLE AT CPC. I oversee infant through preschool programming and also help with some of the strategic decisions for the kids’ team. On a typical Sunday or Wednesday Morning (at Mom’s Morning) you’ll find me playing with or holding a child. I really enjoy helping young children feel calm, safe, known, and loved, and singing songs about Jesus with them. When I first started at CPC, a big part of my job was volunteer management for infants through fifth grade. This included setting up processes to understand how many volunteers it takes to run our programming each week (about 80!) and how to effectively engage them.
W H AT FIRS T DRE W YOU TO CPC? We really enjoyed the services, realized we knew a couple of CPC families, and were welcomed by a few more. Plus, my daughter could get through a whole hour of preschool programming. One time at another church, she somehow escaped the classroom, running down the hallway crying for me. I think the difference was that at CPC, she wasn’t just another child in the classroom—volunteers and staff recognized that she was a child who needed care and comfort. They were willing to hold her and made her feel safe. I felt like she was known, and the volunteers also made me feel known.
W H AT ’S THE VA LUE OF A DULTS SERV ING W ITH K IDS ’ MINIS TRIES? The intergenerational relationships that develop between adults, teenagers, and kids are so wonderful to see. We’ve found that if kids feel safe around adults and they feel loved and known by them, it makes them want to come to CPC.
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We wouldn’t be able to make every kid feel—and be—known or build relationships with them without our volunteers. The value of these relationships isn’t just for the kiddos, but for the adults, too.
HOW H AV E YOU SEEN GOD MOV E IN YOUR LIFE? There have been a few tough times where God’s used some lightning bolts to spark some changes in my life that He wanted me to make, and those experiences have really strengthened my faith. A verse that has been by my side is from Jeremiah 29: “ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord. ‘Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.’ ” I remember when I was going through a huge change at work as well as wanting to grow our family, I was visiting my mom and I woke up in her guest bedroom and saw that verse above the bed. I was so angry at God and cried and said, “You don’t have a plan for me.” A few days later a lightning bolt came my way. I knew then that God was saying, “I have been trying to tell you. I’ve been giving you nudges, and you’re not listening. You’re going to listen now.” Within six months, I had made some changes. But it was hard. At those really rough times, I learned I had to let go, give up control. I remember being on my knees and saying, “Lord, I’m yours. I can’t do this on my own.” It was in these times of weakness that I became completely aware of and leaned on God's strength. I now trust that God has plans for me—good plans—and I pray that I listen to and trust Him.
K A R E N R U L I F S O N has served as A S S I S T A N T D I R E C T O R of K I D S ’ M I N I S T R Y since 2017
The Senior Pastor Search Team has, through prayer and discernment, decided to engage the search firm Vanderbloemen. Jay Mitchell, an Executive Search Consultant with Vanderbloemen, will partner with us in the search for our next senior pastor. We believe Jay brings the following strengths to CPC’s search process: • extensive experience with senior pastor searches for churches our size • understands the unique position the ECO denomination has within the larger Presbyterian world • a former Presbyterian pastor in a large church; views pastoral search as his ministry • expertise in the process of matching the needs of a church with candidates • access to extensive resources and support through Vanderbloemen
The Senior Pastor Search Team is excited to work with Jay and filled with hope as to what God is doing. On November 9/10, Jay will spend time with our CPC community getting to know us as he begins his work in our search process. In preparation for that weekend, we will be engaging the CPC community in a variety of ways for input as to the values, characteristics, and qualities we think are important for our next senior pastor. One way this will happen will be through a congregational survey—look for its arrival in mid-October! The survey will be sent via email; there will be paper copies available at the Blue Wall and opportunities to complete the survey at CPC, as well. As always, we are so grateful for your continued prayers as we seek to discern God’s will as we search for our next senior pastor.
Senior Pastor Search Team
If you have questions, ideas, or candidates, please contact the Senior Pastor Search Team at spst@cpconline.org
To learn more about Jay Mitchell and the Vanderbloemen search firm, visit: vanderbloemen.com
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HAPPENINGS
08 A VISIT WITH SHADI FATEHI
from Pars Theological Centre in London
Tuesday, October 8 6:00-7:00PM Anderson Hall
Come learn about how God is moving in Iran and how Pars Theological Centre is equipping pastors and church leaders for one of the fastest-growing churches in the world!
24 Q COMMONS
with Malcolm Gladwell, Francis Chan, and Rebekah Lyons
October 24 7:00-9:00PM Westview
Join with thousands of Christians in hundreds of cities to be equipped on how to engage this unique cultural moment and bring hope and leadership to their communities!
26 NEW MEMBER RETREAT Friday, October 25 from 6:30-8:30PM + Saturday, October 26 9:00AM-1:00PM Anderson Hall
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H APPENI NGS EVENT HIGHLIGHTS Learn more about all these events and sign up at
CPCONLINE.ORG/EVENTS
01 Attend this short weekend retreat to make your connection to CPC more official! On Friday, enjoy a potluck dinner, conversation with other CPCers, and a Q&A about CPC. Saturday morning includes a continental breakfast, lunch with an elder, and small group discussions with other CPCers about trusting Jesus, becoming a disciple, and faithful church membership.
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WOMEN WHO INSPIRE Friday, November 1 6:00-8:30PM Westview Check in at 6:00PM. Program starts at 6:30PM.
Join us for “Call to Courage,” a core teaching from Dr. Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead™. Certified facilitators Jennifer Peterson, PhD, PCC, and Molly Peterson, MA, PCC will help you identify your call and explore a path to leading a braver life. Soup/salad dinner and beverages will be provided. Cost: $25.
CPCONLINE.ORG • 952.920.8515
02 CPC GO!TRIPS Saturday, November 2 & Sunday, November 3 after all services Westview
10 Learn about upcoming trips with our mission partners around the world. Hear from past participants and ask questions to start exploring if God’s calling you to GO! 2020 GO!TRIPS: Spring: Dominican Republic Summer: Israel-Palestine Fall: South Asia
07 HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH?
Balancing Your Financial Blessings
Thursday, November 7 7:00-8:45PM Westview
Join Jay Bennett and Jeff Carver from the National Christian Foundation for an interactive workshop to gain biblical wisdom and fresh insights on balancing financial blessings for your kids with charitable giving in the second half of life. Explore case studies, get answers to classic and complex financial planning questions, and share collective wisdom.
Saturday, November 9 8:30-11:30AM Fireside Room
Sunday, November 10 3:00PM Sanctuary
17 Singles, couples, professionals, and students—you’re invited to come hang out and connect with others for a pre-Thanksgiving feast at Pastor Petey Crowder’s house! The turkey will be provided—you bring the sides! This event is kid-friendly.
20S & 30S FRIENDSGIVING Sunday, November 17 5:00PM South Minneapolis
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09 SOUL CARE SATURDAY
Enjoy an afternoon of beautiful music presented by CPCers Gerard (Jerry) Sundberg, baritone, and Jane Nienaber, organ, with Herbert Johnson on the piano and additional instrumental guest artists. The program is free-of-charge and open to the public. A freewill offering will be taken. Sponsored by the CPC Christian Fine Arts Committee.
AN AFTERNOON OF HYMNS AND SPIRITUAL SONGS
Join longtime CPC member Sylvia Bailey and former staff member Judie Ritchie, as they lead us in a morning interspersed with biblical teaching and self-reflection centered around the theme of gratitude. Refreshments available throughout the morning.
Come with your Christmas lists to shop for unique gifts made by over 100 artists. Purchase a soup lunch or Christmas cookies to support our mission partners and funding for our Choral Scholar program.
HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE Saturday, November 23 9:00AM-3:00PM CPC
Cost: $15.
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HAPPENINGS all elementary kids begin in the service with their families, and then are dismissed for Kids’ Church in the MPR. There will be no programming on Communion Sundays: October 6, November 3, & December 8.
EVENTS MID-MONTH CHAPEL SERVICE
Wednesdays, October 16 & November 20 • 12:00PM • Chapel A traditional service with a short message, hymns, Communion, and prayers. Lunch follows in the Westview Room.
CPC/TREEHOUSE INFO SESSION
Saturday, October 26 • 6:15PM • Fireside Room & Sunday, October 27 • 10:30AM & 12:00PM • Chapel Join us immediately following each worship service to learn about our new initiative with TreeHouse!
CANDLELIGHT MEMORIAL SERVICE
Tuesday, December 3 • 7:00PM • Sanctuary Begin Advent with a time to honor those you have lost over the years and set your heart on the coming Messiah. Dessert follows in the Great Room.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: CHOIR & CLUB Dinner (5:00-5:30PM for choir families & 5:30-6:15PM): Enjoy dinner with your family and other CPCers. Menu varies. Cost: $5/person Choir for K-5th graders (5:30-6:15PM): Kids develop a love for music, learn biblical truths, and improve musical and dramatic skills, all while praising God! Choir kids registered for Club will be guided to the MPR. Club for K-5th graders (6:25-7:30PM): With this year’s theme, “Around the World with Jesus,” kids will grow in their understanding about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus as they cross cultures traveling from one destination to the next. Kids bring club journals and bags to use each week. Cost: $20 for Choir; $20 for Club; or $35 for both Choir and Club Sign up: cpconline.org/kids
FAMILY ROLLER SKATING PARTY
WOMEN’S CHRISTMAS CELEBATION
Saturday, December 7 • 9:00-11:00AM • Westview Join women of all ages for an Advent message from Pastor Emily Hamilton, a faith story, music, and delicious food. Cost: $15. Sign up: cpconline.org/events
Wednesday, October 30 • 6:30-7:30PM • Roller Garden We’re replacing Club for roller skating fun! All kids and families, come show off your costumes and meet new friends. Cost: $5 per skater (includes skate rental). We’ll serve popcorn and drinks. This is not a drop-off event.
KIDS
STUDENTS
SAVE THE DATES: FAMILY COMMUNION WORKSHOP
REGISTRATION
Sunday, November 24 or March 8 • 4:00-6:00PM • Westview Kids and their parents discover both the biblical beginnings and CPC’s tradition of taking Communion including a kid-friendly Seder dinner. All ages welcome. Cost: $5 per person. Sign up: cpconline.org/events
All 6th-12th graders must register in order to participate in programs and small groups.
BIBLE WORKSHOP & BIBLE SUNDAY
Wednesdays (no program October 16 or November 27)• 6:25-7:30PM A high-energy, engaging program for 6th-8th grade students. Please make sure your student is registered. joshm@cpconline.org or brooksw@cpconline.org
1st Grade Workshop: Thursday, October 10 • 6:30-8:00PM • Westview Room Bible Sunday: Sunday, October 13 • 9:30 or 11:00AM Services • Sanctuary 3-year-olds and 1st graders will receive age-appropriate Bibles on Bible Sunday during worship services. We look forward to celebrating this marking moment with you! Families of 1st graders, please attend the workshop with your 1st grader to explore their new Bible and inscribe it with a note. Sign up: cpconline.org/events
WEEKEND PROGRAMMING
No registration, but kids must check-in at the Family Check-In area. More details at cpconline.org/weekend-programs. Saturday 5:15PM service: Loving childcare provided (6 weeks3 years). Sundays 9:30 and 11:00AM services: Nursery (6-weeks-2 years): Loving childcare provided. 2-year-olds: Families may choose to keep their child with them at the beginning of the service OR take them directly to Room 216. Preschool: Preschool families may choose to keep their kids with them at the beginning of the service OR take them to the classroom. At 9:30AM 3-year-olds are in Room 213; 4-year-olds and PreK are in Anderson Hall. At 11:00AM all preschoolers are in Anderson Hall. Elementary: At 9:30AM, we offer Sunday school for kids (K-5th) on the 3rd floor. Kids can be dropped off before the beginning of the service OR they can attend the beginning of worship with their families. At 11:00AM,
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MIDDLE SCHOOL SIX8
HIGH SCHOOL COMMITMENT CLASS
Wednesdays (no program October 16 or November 27)• 7:45-9:00PM Anderson Hall check-in A night of fun, large-group learning, and small-group discussion for 9th graders. Please make sure your student is registered. ashleyc@cpconline.org
CC FALL RETREAT
Saturday-Sunday, November 9-10 • Alexandria, MN Amazing games, awesome talks, and small group time. Check in at CPC at 8:30AM on Saturday; buses return at approximately 12:00PM on Sunday. Cost: $125; scholarships available. Sign up: cpconline.org/events
TEN12
Wednesdays (no program October 16 or November 27)• 7:45-9:00PM • CPC A great night full of fun and an authentic space for kids to just be themselves. We start in Westview for large group followed by small group time. ericaf@cpconline.org
CPCONLINE.ORG • 952.920.8515 SPECIAL NEEDS TAPESTRY
Every other Tuesday (no program November 26) • 6:30-7:30PM Fellowship Hall Kids and students with special needs explores who God is and how we have a relationship with Him through Bible study, service projects, games, guest vanc@cpconline.org speakers, and story/drama.
MOSAIC WORSHIP SERVICE
Sundays, October 27 & November 17 • 10:45AM • Westview We are all children of God and invited to worship Him in our own way. Led mostly by students with special needs. Noises, sounds, and movements are vanc@cpconline.org welcome and pleasing to God! Brunch follows.
ADULTS 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. They gather for community time and discussion-based teaching.
• E3: millennial couples (9:30AM - Room 116) • CATALYST: married couples with young kids (9:30AM - Room 201/202) • ALLOY: mostly 30s-40s (9:30AM - Room 205) • S.A.L.T.: late 40s-60s (9:30AM - Fellowship Hall East) • A.C.T.S.: late 50s & up (9:20AM - Fellowship Hall Center) • MORE: active retired folks (10:45AM - Fireside Room) • CREDO: intergenerational (10:45AM - Room 10) Learn more:
cpconline.org/sunday-communities
SUPERNATURAL PARENTING
Wednesdays • 6:30-7:30PM • Room 10 Grow as a family in faith this year! Join other parents for fellowship and learning while your kids are at club. Childcare provided. Cost: $25/person. Sign up: cpconline.org/classes
CPC BOOK CLUB
Thursday, November 21 • 7:00PM • Room 204 We will select our books for 2020. All are welcome. Susan Schrader at 952.914.9493
UNDERSTANDING THE OLD TESTAMENT
Sundays, October 6-November 17 • 6:15-7:30PM • Westview Gain practical knowledge about important Old Testament figures, events and theology. Details on page 5. Cost: $10. Sign up: cpconline.org/classes
MEN SMALL GROUPS
Connect with others and deepen your relationship with Jesus. For more details and to sign up: cpconline.org/groups • Tuesday Morning Group: Tuesdays • 6:45-8:00AM • CPC • The Dads’ Group: Wednesdays • 6:30-7:30PM • CPC • Thursday Morning Groups: Thursdays • 7:00-8:00AM • CPC • Friday Guys’ Group: Fridays • 6:10-7:00AM • Calvary Church, Edina
WOMEN MOMS IN THE MIDDLE (for moms of tweens and teens) LARGE GROUP Thursday, November 7 • 6:30-8:30PM • Anderson Hall Join us for our special fall evening event with author Gaye Lindfors who will share about “God, Girlfriends, and Chocolate!” Cost: $5/at the door. Sign up: cpconline.org/moms-in-the-middle
SMALL GROUPS
Connect with others and deepen your relationship with Jesus. For more details and to sign up: cpconline.org/groups • Couples with Kids: Second Tuesdays • 7:00-8:30PM • Member homes • Rhythms of Renewal (short-term): Tuesdays, 11/5-12/2 • 7:00-8:15PM • CPC • Soul Keepers (50s & Up): Every other Wednesday • 7:00-8:30PM • St. Louis Park • 20s & 30s: Every other Thursday • 7:00-8:30PM • St. Louis Park • Christ in Career: 1st & 3rd Saturdays • 8:30-10:00AM • CPC
IN THE WORD
Mondays • 9:30-11:30AM • Room 116 OR Tuesdays • 7:00-8:30PM • Room 116 James Madsen leads this intergenerational discussion-oriented class for men and women on the book of Hebrews and why Jesus matters in our everyday life. Sign up: cpconline.org/classes
WEDNESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
Wednesdays • 11:00AM-12:00PM • Room 303 Rick Byron leads this lively discussion on the book of Romans. We meet every Wednesday except when Edynamoes is held. debc@cpconline.org
SMALL GROUP Fridays • 9:30AM or 1:30PM • CPC Small groups meet twice a month and provide in-depth connection, support, and study. Two new Friday groups are welcoming members. Kirstin Slaney: slaneyhome@gmail.com
NEEDLEWORK GUILD
Saturday, October 12 & November 9 • 10:00AM-2:00PM • Fellowship Hall Our mission is to make warm garments and blankets for local agencies that serve those in need. We have yarn, fabric, and knitters to get you started. Edie Kosa at 952.920.1753
MOM’S MORNING (for moms of young children)
LARGE GROUP Wednesdays, October 9 & 23, November 13 • 9:30-11:30AM • Westview On October 9, Pete Larson from Family Fest Ministries will help you discover how to better communicate and have more fun with your spouse. On October 23, Connected Families will be speaking on the entitlement fix. On November 13, we hear about embedding gratefulness into our daily lives. Limited childcare available; contact momsmorning.cpc@gmail.com to check on availability. Program cost: $60; childcare cost: $55/child. Sign up: cpconline.org/moms-morning CPC LIFE
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HAPPENINGS
SMALL GROUP Meet 1st, 3rd & 5th Wednesdays • 9:30-11:30AM Join a small community of women where it’s safe to be honest about life’s challenges. Develop meaningful relationships through Bible study, prayer, and Christ-centered support. Limited childcare available: $55/child. Sign up: cpconline.org/moms-morning
TUESDAY AFTERNOON WOMEN’S STUDY
Tuesdays • 1:00-2:30PM • Fireside Room Carolyn Beatty leads an in-depth study of the Gospel of Luke using the ESV Scripture Journal available in Pathway for $6. This group generates lively discussions and cares for one another. Carolyn Beatty at 612.729.3143
SMALL GROUPS
Connect with others and deepen your relationship with Jesus. Visit cpconline.org/groups • 20-Somethings: Gathering interest for a new group • Titus 2 Women: 1st, 3rd, & 5th Wednesdays • 9:30-11:30AM • CPC • Wednesday Night Moms’ Group: Wednesdays • 6:30-7:30PM • CPC • 30-Somethings: Gathering interest for a new group
OLDER ADULTS RUTH CIRCLE
Meets every Wednesday • 9:30AM On the first and third Wednesdays, we meet in a home for food, fellowship, devotions, and prayers. On the other Wednesdays, we serve at Feed My Starving Children and at CPC. Barb Bucha at 952.470.4414
EDYNAMOES
Wednesday, October 30 • 11:30AM • Fellowship Hall Enjoy a delicious luncheon and a historical streetcar presentation from Aaron Issacs, Head of the Minnesota Streetcar Museum. Cost: $5. Please bring Jerry’s cash receipts and pop can tabs. Cleo Wedge at 952.922.2769 Sign up by Sunday, October 27:
HORIZON’S (ACTIVE-RETIRED AGE)
Saturday, December 7 • 6:30PM • Fellowship Hall Horizon’s is an inviting community of active retirement-age singles and couples, experiencing and sharing the good we see all around us! Please save the date for our annual Christmas dinner celebration. Details and sign up: cpconline.org/events.
CARE
Tuesdays, October 15 & November 19 • 7:00-8:30PM • Anderson Hall • meets 3rd Tuesdays Does your child experience emotional or mental health issues? You are not alone. Join other parents, friends, and caregivers as we care for one another on our journeys. Meetings include sharing time and occasional guest speakers. In October, our topic is “Feeling Happy, Healthy, and Fulfilled: A WholePerson Approach to Mental Health and Wellbeing.” dbrown@dcbrowninc.com
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
Fridays, October 11 & November 8 & Saturdays, October 26 & November 23 • 10:00AM-12:00PM Share God's love, comfort, and peace through the knitting and gifting of shawls. Knitters, experienced or not, are needed! Tutoring is provided. Janice Velgersdyk at 612-986-5902
S.T.A.R.S.
(Short Term Assistance Reaching Seniors) is a ministry designed to support seniors at home during their recovery from an accident, illness, or fall, or returning home after a hospital/rehab stay. Judy Brink at 952.920.4364
SERVE HERE LOVE JESUS AND LOVE KIDS?
Help kids feel known and loved and learn about Jesus by helping out weekly or monthly, working directly with children or behind-the-scenes. karenr@cpconline.org
A.R.M.S. (Active Retired Men Serving) VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Thursdays • 8:00AM-12:00PM • donuts and coffee at 10:00AM This dedicated group works on various projects to keep the building in prime condition! Men and women of all ages and skill levels are welcome. noelc@cpconline.org
BLOOMINGTON LOAVES & FISHES
LGBTQ FAMILY GROUP
This group is for parents and family members of someone who is LGBTQ. Discuss together how to best love and support our loved one and each other. rgarton1@msn.com
DIVORCE SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesdays, October 8 & 29, November 5, 12, 19, & 26 • 6:30-8:00PM • Room 205 This group is for people who are recently divorced or in the process of divorce. We welcome you wherever you are on the emotional spectrum of divorce. Learn more at cpconline.org/care
GRIEF RECOVERY
Tuesdays, October 8 & November 12 • 6:00-8:30PM • Fireside Room • meets 2nd Tuesdays OCTOBER•NOVEMBER 2019
GRACE & HOPE FOR OUR CHILDREN
NEAR
GROUPS
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For those who have lost a loved one, we experience God’s hope and healing through fellowship, prayer, and sharing a meal. Rich Phenow (October) and Melissa Schaser (November) speak. No reservation needed. richp@cpconline.org
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CPC LIFE
Fridays, October 18 & November 15 • Third Friday of the month, year-round; Meal Prep: 2:00-4:00PM, Serve: 5:00-7:00PM • Creekside Community Center Individuals, small groups, and families with children are welcome to volunteer and serve a hot meal to those in need. Meal prep is best for volunteers ages 16 and older while serving is best for volunteers ages 7 and older. Sign up: cpconline.org/events
CALVARY DROP-IN MEALS
Sunday, November 24 • 12:30-3:00PM • Calvary Church, 2608 Blaisdell Ave. S., Minneapolis Volunteers will help to prepare a meal, serve food, and visit with nearly 100 guests in need, then clean-up after the meal. All adult and child volunteers age 9 and over sign up online. Children under age 9 are also welcome. Sign up: cpconline.org/events
BIRTHS
Comfort and Samuel Cobblah welcomed a daughter, Faith Keenor, on August 15. Annie and Jake Schmiesing welcomed a daughter, Samantha Jane, on September 23.
MARRIAGES
Maddie Wood and Sean Barrett were married on August 31. The Rev. Debbie Manning officiated. Kelli Greene and Ryan Cannata were married on September 1. The Rev. Richard Phenow officiated. Gretchen Gans and Ryan Forbes were married on September 6. The Rev. Richard Phenow officiated. Katie Best and Justin Conner were married on September 14. The Rev. Richard Phenow officiated.
survived by her husband Kent. Linda served as Kids’ Choir director at CPC for 20 years.
RECENTLY HOSPITALIZED Carol Foss Katie Klevesahl
John Mulliken Ruth Nelson
Marilyn Pertl
STAFF UPDATES
Marisa Griner joins the Operations team as Operations Associate. Debbie Manning leaves her position as Pastor of Congregational Care. Debbie has been a part of the CPC community for 26 years, and on the Care staff team for 20 years. We’re so thankful for and will miss her loving presence and leadership, but are also excited to see how her gifts are used as she follows God’s call.
FINANCIAL UPDATE Missions YTD Total Missions Giving*: $14,208
DEATHS
*Given through special offering, above and beyond missions’ dollars we budget for partners.
Mitzie Wilcox passed away on August 26 at the age of 84. She is survived by her husband Frank and children Wayne and Carrie.
Ministry Fund Revenue/Expense Update July 2019 YTD revenue actual: $719,672 July 2019 YTD revenue budget: $651,017 August 2019 YTD revenue actual: $1,016,812 August 2019 YTD revenue budget: $901,202
Eva Nissen passed away on August 16 at the age of 91. She is survived by daughter Lori (Tim Bettenga).
Carol Foss passed away on September 2 at the age of 77. She is survived by daughter Marti (Scott) Stone. Kay Keller passed away on September 2 at the age of 88. She is survived by sons Jim (Danielle) and Bob. Gene Gaasedelen passed away on September 3. She is survived by daughter Karen (Bob) Herman. Basu Hurkadli passed away on September 17 at the age of 72. He is survived by his wife Aruna. Linda Schwitzer passed away on September 26 at the age of 67. She is
YTD (8/31/2019) We are ahead on giving revenue by $115,610. We are under on expenses by $143,452. CPC fiscal year 2020 began June 1, 2019 and ends May 31, 2020. MISSION OF THE MONTH In October, we continue to give to International Justice Mission, this month focusing on their Uganda Office, which CPC helped establish almost 20 years ago. IJM is a global organization dedicated to eliminating the slave trade everywhere. Mark your check memo Mission of the Month or give online: cpconline.org/give
Sunday, November 3
following the 11:00AM service • Sanctuary All CPC members are encouraged to join us for our annual meeting of the congregation.
Join us as we witness eight actions God makes toward His people throughout the Old Testament and what they reveal to us about God’s character. Through this journey we’ll remember that God is the same— YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER— and is still active in our lives today.
THANKSGIVING WORSHIP NEW TIME! Wednesday, November 27 • 7:00PM • Sanctuary
Join us as we give thanks to God! Our hope is that our new time will allow more people the opportunity to worship and prepare our hearts for Thanksgiving Day. Our service will feature special music, a meditation from Pastor Petey Crowder, and a time of corporate thanksgiving.
Christ Presbyterian Church | 952.920.8515 | cpconline.org | facebook.com/cpconline | @CPCEdina | #cpcedina