CPC Life Summer 2019 by Christ Presbyterian Church

Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in The One who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference. MAX LUCADO

n theory, prayer can appear simple: a conversation with God. A first step toward Jesus’ mandate to “Abide in me.” Yet for many, prayer—not unlike sharing our faith— can be a spiritual discipline we know we should do, yet often feel like we come up short. We fall into times when our prayer life becomes stale. We convince ourselves that prayer doesn’t really makes a difference, or we don’t ask for the good things we deeply desire or seriously need because of a fear of being self-absorbed. And yet praying boldly—even dangerously—can show us who our God is, reveal how much we need Him, and engage us in His Kingdom work in ways we never could have imagined. The Scriptures instruct us in James 4:2, “You do not have because you do not ask God.” Many of us know the verse that follows: “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” And because we know our motives are mixed at best, we ignore verse 2 and listen only to verse 3. The defense mechanism we utilize with other people who continue to disappoint us is put into play with the God of the universe: we stop talking to Him.

Dangerously P R A Y I N G

Sure, we can pray in ways that are self-serving, and sure, we should take our conversations with God (which is the essence of prayer) to the next level—but we can’t do that if our prayer life is minimal at best or non-existent at worst. My hope is that you will join us in exploring the concept of “Dangerous Prayers” this summer. As God’s people, let’s learn to pray in a way that makes us fully engaged with Jesus and fully alive to an adventure with Him. One way to get started or to do a reset is to pay close attention to verse 2: We do not have because we do not ask. Ask boldly. Pray dangerously, in such a way that you will see God move in transformative ways. And then add verse 3 to the mix. Invite God to work on your motives so that you will receive more of what you ask for because your motives—and requests—are aligning more and more to the very heart of God. Paul proclaims to us in Ephesians 3:20: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” May God’s favor be upon you.

R O N H A W K I N S serves as TR ANSITIONS PASTOR LEARN MORE ABOUT PASTOR RON ON PAGE 10.

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Lord, hear our prayer. Help us to give ourselves away with an overwhelming generosity.

Help us befriend those who do not believe as we do.

Help us live irresistible lives of mercy and justice.

Lord, hear our prayer. May we live in awe of the grace we receive from our Savior, Jesus Christ, and extend the invitation of new life found in Him.

Lord, hear our prayer.

A B I D I N G

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W H AT D O YO U F I N D I R R E S I S T I B L E ?

he chance to hang out at the lake? A quiet nook where you can read? Your favorite ice cream or Netflix show? Your phone?

Here’s one more question: Do you find Jesus irresistible? Our answers will vary, depending on our perspective. When our life is running like a finely tuned sports car and we’ve got it all under control, Jesus can seem superfluous, unnecessary. When we are clinging to a behavior that we know is hindering our relationship with Him, we often spend extra energy resisting Jesus. But when we grasp the gift of grace offered by Jesus through His life, death, and resurrection, our hearts are drawn to Him. The more we recognize our need for Jesus, the more amazing grace becomes to our hearts! Jesus offers us more than just the forgiveness of sins. He offers to us the full privileges of being a child of God. These blessings include everything our hearts need: acceptance, belonging, purpose, security, identity, and unconditional love. These are ours through faith in Jesus. Sometimes we can think the primary role of spiritual disciplines like prayer and Bible reading are for us to become better people. But spiritual disciplines are about connecting our heart to the heart of Jesus. We are called to abide in Christ, which means that we are in relationship with Him. Like a branch is connected to the trunk of a tree, we know that true life is found only by being connected to Jesus. The fruit of our connectedness with Jesus is seen in our transformation and our love for others. As we learn to receive life from Christ, Jesus becomes more precious to us, and we see and welcome our dependence on Him. We find that His ways are better than our ways. The more Jesus is the center of our lives, the more irresistible He becomes—and increasingly this abundant life in Christ flows out of us and to the lives of those around us.

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I encourage you this summer to spend time alone with Jesus. Read through the Gospel of John. Notice the relationship between believing in Jesus and finding meaningful life. Talk to Jesus about your life. Practice some of the dangerous prayers we’re learning about. Read a book on prayer, like A Praying Life by Paul Miller, to grow in your understanding of abiding in Jesus. The Jesus-Centered Life by Rick Lawrence is another excellent book on learning how to find life in Jesus. Or if you just don’t know when you would squeeze in time for spiritual disciplines (or you know you are addicted to your smartphone), I highly suggest reading The Common Rule: Habits of Purpose for an Age of Distraction by Justin Whitmel Earley. Jesus extends the invitation to each one of us to come and find rest in Him. Sit at the feet of Jesus this summer and hear His voice calling you His beloved!

J A M E S M A D S E N serves as P A S T O R of D I S C I P L E S H I P

The more Jesus is the center of our lives, the more irresistible He becomes—and increasingly this abundant life in Christ flows out of us and to the lives of those around us.

Do you or a spouse have hearing aids but still don’t hear the services well? We have a program here at the church that allows you to hear the speakers as if they were right next to you!

Join us for a meeting to learn more: Sunday, June 30 • 10:30AM • Westview Room

Adults are an integral part of a young person’s faith journey— and there are many opportunities to engage in a powerful way at CPC. Contact Karen at karenr@cpconline.org to get involved.

BELONGING TO AN

In an age of isolation, belonging to community has become more essential than ever for our wellbeing as humans. But what makes Christian community so special, and how can we make it irresistible to those who haven’t experienced anything like it before?

HERE’S WHAT A FEW CPCERS HAD TO SAY:

I didn’t know Jesus when I was growing up. I was surrounded by unbelievers, so it was easy to ignore God or pretend He didn’t exist. Then during high school, I met my best friend. She invited me into her home and into her family. It was through her family that I was able to first see and experience the love of Christ. From the very beginning of my walk with God, He has used people to reveal Himself to me. In community, I have been reminded of the Lord’s goodness, patience, grace, and forgiveness. We were created to be in community. God shows up in community. Christian community becomes irresistible when we welcome each other into our homes, when we meet each other in times of both celebration and lament, and when we love each other like Jesus loves. Marisa (left) and best friend, Christina.

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MARISA GRINER

For a Christian community to be “irresistible,” I believe it needs to be defined by grace—receiving it from the Lord in their individual lives and in their midst. Our culture today is quick to issue judgment, but if we allow ourselves to be immersed instead in God’s grace and dispense that to others, our community will offer sorely needed relief to the world around us. I myself have been deeply impacted by the power of Christian community. During my doctoral program—generally a fairly isolated, individual journey—my small group and church provided me with a home in which I could stay rooted, and they continually breathed life into my weeks. But they also challenged me to give of myself and serve the community, despite the pressures of grad school, since although God may call us individually, He calls us into community as well. JUSTIN BUOL

Karen (right) with a few of the people she enjoys community with at CPC.

Justin (front center) with his grad school small group.

I love being in community with others because I value the give and take of it—sometimes I’m the “needy” one, and sometimes it’s someone else. Sometimes it means providing accountability, sometimes it means offering a reminder of grace that is ours in Jesus. Being in community helps me stay connected to God, simply by having a regular meeting where God is the focus of conversation! But beyond that, I can’t always see what God is doing in my own life, so being in a group can provide a mirror, or someone else to point out where God was at work. My faith grows when I see how God answers the prayers of people around me. It allows me to learn to trust God more by watching the experience of others. I can see how we are able to comfort each other with the strength we have been given in our own struggles. For me, an irresistible Christian community is one that is open about the challenges of life. It is a community that supports one another in our journey of faith. It creates a safe environment where we can get below the surface—to talk about things that are hard for us and reveal where God may be asking us to step out in faith. KAREN DRAAYER

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR COMMUNITY? We believe that following Jesus can start from anywhere and that connecting with other followers of Christ will draw you closer to Jesus and remind you that you are loved and accepted into God's kingdom by His grace. ADULTS: contact Deb Carlson (debc@cpconline.org) to get connected to a small group or Sunday Community or LEARN MORE AT CPCONLINE.ORG/ADULTS. COLLEGE: Join us every Wednesday night this summer for food and community! LEARN ABOUT CHILLIN’ & GRILLIN’ ON PAGE 12. KIDS & STUDENTS: Grow in your faith and relationships with others this summer through camps and special events. LEARN MORE AT CPCONLINE.ORG/EVENTS.

C O L E T T E P R O H O F S K Y • FA I T H S T O R Y

I feel fortunate that I can partner with God. He’s not just interested in getting us to heaven someday. It’s about NOW. He’s working now, and He’s inviting us to join Him in His work.

grew up in a small town in Wisconsin, where we all looked the same and had the same experiences. I appreciate the biblical foundation I got through my home church and my years that followed at Bethel University, but it also led me to question: what of my faith is cultural, and what is really of God? That’s a journey I’ve been on now for about twenty years! Studying and learning directly from the Bible has really helped, creating a foundation for seeing the world and myself from God’s perspective. The challenge has been in getting that head knowledge to actively affect my life, what I do, and how I see people.

and the excellence of their work and the fact that they are actually making progress—it gave me hope. My husband and I became financial partners, and recently I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer with IJM’s local team as a liaison between CPC and IJM.

A turning point for me was seeing a photograph of a refugee family—a mom, dad, and two kids—living in a tent, when I had two little kids myself. I think God was finally ready to tell me that that could be me. I realized that I’m not more special. I’m not more loved. I’m not more important. That could actually be me and my family. When I was growing up, poverty and injustice seemed to be in the past or at least far away. And here God was working on me to see the truth.

Prayer is a huge focus at IJM. For me, prayer has always been a struggle. I don’t always get it, I’ve questioned the theology on prayer, and I had a child who was sick for a long time, and I prayed and prayed and prayed and it didn’t seem to get better. So what did all that mean? I was talking about my doubts on prayer with Pastor Emily, and when we walked into this IJM conference together, a young man was on stage who had been a slave on a fishing boat on Lake Volta. When IJM started working there, they sent out a photograph of two boys on a boat. I whispered to Emily, “I’ve been praying for him!” It was amazing to go from talking about doubting prayer to seeing the results literally standing before me. I still struggle with prayer, but that experience teaches me to remember to pray and the power in our prayers.

This God I try to serve is the definition of justice. I think there are a lot of good people with a heart for justice, and I think that’s great. But I feel fortunate that I can partner with God. He’s not just interested in getting us to heaven someday. It’s about NOW. He’s working now, and He’s inviting us to join Him in His work.

I’m a news junkie, and the state of the world can feel overwhelming. It’s hard to know what God wants us to do. But what He has shown me over time is that if it is something that breaks His heart—and it’s breaking my heart, too—I should move forward. God is not asking us to fix every problem. He’s asking us to take a little piece of His broken heart.

In 2007 I received a brochure about International Justice Mission [IJM]. It took me a while to even look at it, knowing I couldn’t “unlook”—I’d know the reality and the sadness and the heartbreak. When I did finally read it, I learned that slavery was happening today. But IJM’s biblical values

My encouragement to others is to take the first step and see where it leads. Sometimes that’s all you need to do. You have the chance to join God in His work, which means you have the power and the hope to do the work—for in the end, He is victorious.

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New THIS SUMMER! This summer we are inviting families to worship together with their kids.

when K I D S

WORSHIP

with A D U L T S

HOW WILL IT LOOK? •a ll families are encouraged to have their kids present with them in worship • t here won’t be a separate children’s sermon; instead, when it is time for the adult sermon, kids will be dismissed and be taught the same content in a lesson time that is carefully crafted and age-appropriate so the best learning can take place. Plus, now parents and kids can talk about what they learned together!

• on Communion Sundays, elementary students will remain for the whole service, so they can participate in this sacrament. There will be programming for pre-K and younger. • parents always have the option to take wiggly preschoolers to the classroom for playtime before programming starts. • each week our community can graciously welcome our kids and little ones and their smiles, noises, and enthusiasm!

We will be gathering feedback from families as we evaluate the effectiveness of this experience.

S TA FF SP OT LIGH T RON HAWK INS HOMETOWN: Plymouth, Indiana FAMILY: wife, Linette; 5 children (4 sons and 1 daughter); 8 grandchildren with 2 more on the way HOBBIES: a good adventure novel, jogging, and being near water. Our hobby now is our grandkids! FAVORITE RECENT READ: books by Tim Tigner FAVORITE SNACK: potato chips

TELL US A BOUT YOUR FA ITH JOURNE Y. I grew up going to church, but I never remember hearing the Gospel preached. It was all about being good and doing good. When I was a sophomore in high school, I attended a youth gathering where I heard the Gospel clearly, and I made a commitment to Christ. But pretty soon after I backpedaled, because I saw that this “Jesus thing” could get in the way of being popular. I didn’t deny the truth of the Gospel, but I didn’t live it. When Linette and I lived in New England, we attended a quaint Presbyterian church, and it was there that our faith came alive. As a mentor would often say, we were “forever ruined” thereafter. We were all in. Not that we were perfect, but we were all in.

HOW DID LIFE CH A NGE FOR YOU? God really turned my life around. A year later I realized I’d gotten where I was in life by my own volition, by my own choice. I never considered consulting God. So I decided to fast and draw near to God. On the third day I heard God clearly say, while not audibly, that He wanted me to be a pastor. That meant quitting my sales job and going to seminary. I told Him, “I sell swimsuits!” The thought that God would not only redeem me—despite all I’d done, all the sin—but want to use me in this way, was astounding.

W H AT W ERE YOUR NE X T S TEPS? Linette and I talked, and I entered seminary a year later. While a student, we had our third child. Balancing family life was healthy for me, however, because I decided I wanted the education and training, but I wasn’t going to stress over grades at the expense of my family. We had our fourth child during a church plant for the Vineyard that followed, which was a

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tent-making scenario, so there was no salary. After three years in the church plant, we moved onto other pastoral positions in Presbyterian congregations (and had one more child!).

HOW DO YOU FEEL GOD H A S UNIQUELY PREPA RED YOU FOR YOUR ROLE AT CPC? I feel that all the experiences I’ve had play into this role very well, from my business experience to different positions in various churches. I’ve always been attuned to those on the periphery, desiring to invite, encourage, and welcome them in. I’m also wired in such a way that I love making decisions in a team format versus calling the shots, which works well in the Presbyterian system. We make better decisions together than we do alone. That collaborative part of who I am plays well into transition ministry, but I’m not afraid to make a decision when I have to or no one else will.

W H AT A RE YOU LE A RNING A BOUT PR AY ER? Prayer is the easiest thing to do and the hardest thing to do—at least for me. I am more of a Martha than a Mary (Luke 10:3842). Almost by instinct, I wake up ready to do something for Jesus rather than simply be in His presence. And so as the psalmist says, I have to choose to “be still and know He is God” instead of resting in my own competency, thinking “I’ve got this.” Prayer brings me back to dependence on Him. When I choose to have that two-way conversation with God, I am rarely disappointed, and my day is far more Kingdom-focused and certainly more fruitful.

R O N H A W K I N S serves as TR ANSITION PASTOR He began his ministry at CPC in April.

W E LCO M E TO OU R NEW E L D E RS & D EACONS! AT C H R I S T P R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H O U R E L D E R S :

• are called to serve as spiritual leaders who seek to model in day-to-day life what it means to follow Jesus and to love and serve others. • work to be stewards and guardians of CPC’s mission and vision in partnership with the staff. Elders approve priorities and plans to fulfill CPC’s mission and vision, and the staff is responsible for implementing those plans. • ensure faithful stewardship of the financial resources entrusted to CPC. • develop, encourage, and hold accountable the staff.

CLASS OF 2023

ELDERS

G R EG H A N SO N My wife, Amy, grew up at CPC, and we were one of the last couples married in the old CPC sanctuary in 1998. We started attending CPC about ten years ago when we moved to Minneapolis. Since then, we've been thrilled to find a community that we and our three children can plug into to grow spiritually. I'm honored to serve at CPC as an elder during this exciting time of transition and to see Jesus change lives!

A N N E J O H N SO N CPC became my family's church home seven years ago. We were excited to find a thriving youth program for our two boys and a place to serve and grow spiritually. Since joining CPC, my husband and I have been involved with the CREDO and S.A.L.T. Sunday Communities, and I attend In the Word Bible study. I was blessed to go on a Go!Trip to Israel and Palestine and be challenged to grow and experience Jesus in different ways. I am honored to serve as an elder as CPC continues to extend the invitation Jesus gives to those who don't know His saving grace.

TO D D M U LLI K E N My wife, Laura, and I have been attending CPC since 1997. We have three adult daughters and two sonsin-law. Our entire family has been involved in serving in kids, students, and college-age ministries. I have served as deacon moderator, leader of the men's ministry, drummer for the contemporary service, and house group leader for the senior high ministry. I have also been fortunate enough to speak at a variety of youth and adult classes and groups here at CPC. I am humbled and excited to serve God as an elder at CPC during this season of transition.

CLASS OF 2022

R I D D E LL SCOT T My family began worshiping at CPC five years ago when we moved to Minnesota, and immediately we understood that Jesus life and resurrection underpin the work of this church. We hear it in sermons and Bible studies, such as In the Word, and also see love for God and love for others lived out in people’s lives daily. My husband, Ben, and I are connected at CPC in a small group Bible Study, have served as deacons, and are looking forward to working in the Marriage Mentors ministry as well. I am humbled by the nomination to serve as an elder, and I look forward to knowing Jesus more through this service, loving the community of Christ here at CPC.

DEACONS

Deacons are elected to be the hands and feet of Jesus, serving and supporting the practical needs of those inside and outside the church in the Twin Cities area. Mark Casey Chelsea Eul Denice Gibson Brett Hanson Jackie Hanson

Eric Johnson Sid Jones Kelly Link Calvin Lucas Nora Lucas

Ned Mollison Andrew Pellington Lizzy Pellington Catherine Potter Reed Robinson

Pat Siebenaler Tim Utter Jim Vardaman Liz Vardaman Katie Witte Cindy Wood

HAPPENINGS EVENTS MID-MONTH CHAPEL SERVICE

Wednesday, June 19 • 12:00PM • Chapel A traditional service with a short message by Pastor Petey Crowder, hymns, Communion, and prayers. Lunch follows in the Westview Room. There will be no mid-month chapel service in July or August.

BREAKFAST-IN-A-CUP

Sunday, July 21 • 10:30AM & 12:00PM Engage with others in our community while enjoying a pancake and sausage snack between the 9:30 & 11:00AM services and after the 11:00AM service! Strike up conversation with someone new. It’s a great opportunity to invite friends and neighbors to CPC, too!

KIDS Hope Shores: June 16-21 • Overnight Camp • kids entering grades 3-5 VBS: July 15-18 • 9:00AM-12:00PM • kids age 3-entering grade 5 Summer Blitz: July 31 • 5:00-10:00PM • kids entering grades 3-5 More details and sign up: cpconline.org/kids

MIDDLE SCHOOL SUMMER CAMPS For more details and to sign up:

cpconline.org/events

CAMP 6:8—SPOTS AVAILABLE

Who: Students entering 6th-8th grades When: Tuesday, June 11-Thursday, June 13 What: In this day camp, students experience Jesus’ call to love and serve.

ROCKSLIDE—ON A WAITLIST

Who: Students entering 6th-8th grades When: Monday, June 24-Friday, June 28 What: Travel to Timber Bay Camp in Onamia, MN for a classic camp experience!

HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER CAMPS cpconline.org/events

QUEST—ON A WAITLIST

Who: Students entering 9th grade When: Monday, July 8-Friday, July 12 What: Escape to Crane Lake, MN for a week on a houseboat!

MISSION ST. LOUIS—SPOTS AVAILABLE

2019 SUMMER EVENTS

Summer Launch Family Picnic: June 9 • 12:00PM • CPC North Lawn All are welcome for a free lunch and a chance to meet our summer interns! Meet Us at Edina Pool: June 26 • 1:00PM Meet Us at Countryside Park: July 2 • 11:30AM-1:00PM • bring your own lunch VBS Family Picnic: July 18 • 5:30-7:30PM

SUMMER WEEKEND PROGRAMMING For more details: cpconline.org/weekend-programs This summer, we are inviting families to worship together with their kids. Preschool and elementary children will leave for their own programming at the start of the adult sermon. Their lessons will be based on the same content that the adults are exploring in the worship service. Saturday 5:15PM service: Worship is in Westview. Worship bags and kid-friendly activities are provided on tables set up at the back of the room. Loving childcare provided (6 weeks-3 years). Sundays 9:30 and 11:00AM services: Nursery (Infants & Toddlers): Loving childcare provided for 6-weeks through 2 years. Preschool: Preschool families may choose to keep their kids with them at the beginning of the service OR take them to the classroom for playtime at the beginning of the service (before programming starts). NOTE: Preschool will be in Room 116. Elementary: K-5th graders are invited to attend worship with their families, then attend their own programming at the start of the adult sermon. Programming will be in the MPR. There will be no programming on Communion Sundays (June 30, July 28, and August 25). This provides an opportunity for families to worship and take communion together. SUMMER 2019

Keep an eye on your inbox for summer Bible Study details for Middle School, High School, and College Students!

For more details and to sign up:

2019 SUMMER CAMPS

STUDENTS

CPC LIFE

Who: Students entering 9th-12th grades When: Sunday, June 23-Friday, June 28 What: Make an impact on the city of St. Louis!

SUMMIT—ON A WAITLIST

Who: Students entering 10th-12th grades When: Tuesday, July 30-Monday, August 5 What: Travel to southeast Michigan for the best week of your life!

COLLEGE CHILLIN’ & GRILLIN’

Wednesdays, June 5-July 31 (off July 3) • CPC or host homes • 7:00PM Come hang out with us each Wednesday of the summer! Visit facebook. com/cpccollegemin to find out where we’ll meet that week.

SPECIAL NEEDS SUMMER BBQ

Tuesday, July 23 • 6:00PM • Fellowship Hall Connect with other Tapestry and Mosaic families with a BBQ at CPC!

ADULTS MIXED THE JEWISH GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

Tuesdays, June 4-July 30 (off July 2) • 6:15-7:30PM • Westview The Gospel of Matthew highlights the Jewish thought and teaching of Jesus

CPCONLINE.ORG • 952.920.8515 perhaps more than any other New Testament text. Join Dr. Nick Schaser as we explore the first Gospel with the goal of understanding our faith in its historical and cultural contexts. Cost: $10. Sign up: cpconline.org/classes

COLOSSIANS: CONFIDENT CHRISTIANITY

Wednesdays, June 12-July 31 (off July 3) • 6:30-8:00PM • Anderson Hall Join us for this study of Colossians and grow in your faith as you learn that Jesus is enough and become increasingly dependent on Him for all of life. Led by Janice Velgersdyk. Cost: $7. Sign up: cpconline.org/classes

SMALL GROUPS

For more details and to sign up:

cpconline.org/groups

Summer Couples’ Group We invite you to try out a small group by joining with other couples to study Luke: The Savior of the World by John MacArthur. This group is an offshoot of the Monday night Bro’ Time Bible study and follows the same curriculum. The group decides on the meeting place, time, and location. Contact Deb Carlson (debc@cpconline.org) if you’re interested in learning more. 20s & 30s 2nd & 4th Tuesdays • 7:00-8:30PM • Room 200 All are welcome to join this small group: singles, couples, men, women, professionals, students (and any category we forgot to name)! Through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship, we navigate life as 20- and 30-somethings while growing in our faith. Led by AnnaLisa & Justin Buol. Couples with Kids First Thursdays • 7:00–8:30PM • meets in member homes We are married couples with children, infants through tweens, wanting to grow deeper in our faith and relationship with Jesus through study and community. Led by Emily Marcusen, we are welcoming some new couples right now and invite you to consider joining us, too.

MEN BRO’ TIME BIBLE STUDY

Mondays, June 3-August 19 • 7:00-8:30PM • CPC Looking for a men’s summer study? Join this multigenerational group from a variety of spiritual backgrounds to stay focused on Scripture during the summer months. This summer we’ll be doing a 12-week study of Luke: The Savior of the World. Sign up: cpconline.org/classes

MORNING MEN’S GROUPS

For more details and to sign up:

cpconline.org/groups

•T uesday Morning Group: Tuesdays • 6:45-7:45AM • CPC •T hursday Morning Groups: Thursdays • 7:00-8:00AM • CPC •F riday Guys’ Group: Fridays • 6:10-7:00AM • Calvary Church in Edina

WOMEN WOMEN’S SUMMER BIBLE STUDY

Tuesdays, June 18-July 30 (off July 2) • 9:30-11:00AM • Fellowship Hall Join us for The Daniel Prayer, a study with Anne Graham Lotz that follows the pattern of the original prayer in Daniel 9. This timely six-session study includes weekly video teaching, Bible study readings, and discussion as we

prepare to pray as Daniel did. Led by Dawn Allan. Cost: $8. Sign up: cpconline.org/classes

SOULFUL SPIRITUALITY

Every other Tuesday, June 11-August 20 • 10:00-11:30AM • Room 202 Women of all ages are welcome to join us for deep discussions of David Benner’s Soulful Spirituality: Becoming Fully Alive and Deeply Human, a book about healthy, life-enhancing spirituality. Cost: $17. Register with Carolyn Beatty at 612.729.3143

NEW! YOUNG WOMEN’S SMALL GROUP

We are gathering interest in a new group for young women who desire Christian community and digging into the Bible together. Visit cpconline.org/groups/women

NEEDLEWORK GUILD

Saturday, July 13 & August 10 • 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. Cleo Wedge at 952.922.2769

OLDER ADULTS EDYNAMOES

Wednesday, June 26 • 11:30AM • Fellowship Hall Doug Ohman—popular speaker, historian, and great storyteller—will be presenting a slide show traveling down the Mississippi from St. Paul to the Iowa border. Sign up by Sunday, June 23: Cleo Wedge at 952.922.2769 Wednesday, August 7 • 11:30AM • Fellowship Hall Curtis Beckmann, retired WCCO News Director, will talk about station history, share “glory days” stories, and reflect on his own experiences. Reminisce about Howard Viken, Jergen Nash, Sid Hartmann, Charlie Boone, Joyce Lamont, Steve Cannon, Roger Erickson, Bill Diehl, and more. Sign up by Sunday, August 4: Cleo Wedge at 952.922.2769 Cost: $5. Please bring Jerry’s cash receipts and pop can tabs.

FALL PREVIEW MOM’S MORNING (for moms of young children) Sign up: cpconline.org/moms-morning LARGE GROUP Kickoff: Wednesday, September 11 • 9:30-11:30AM Join other moms for fellowship and inspirational speakers. Ashley Crowder speaks at our fall kick-off! Online signups open August 1. Program cost: $60; childcare cost: $55/child. SMALL GROUP Meet 1st, 3rd, & 5th Wednesdays resuming September 18 • 9:30-11:30AM Groups allow you to develop deeper relationships through Bible study, prayer, fellowship, and Christ-centered support. Childcare cost: $55/child. MOMS IN THE MIDDLE (for moms of tweens and teens) Kickoff in September Moms in the Middle is designed to meet the needs of mothers who are right in the “middle” of their parenting journey. We are beyond diaper bags and playdates, but before empty nesting. There’s a lot of parenting that happens in those middle years! We’re here to walk those years with you: connecting CPC LIFE

SUMMER 2019

HAPPENINGS

CPCONLINE.ORG • 952.920.8515

you to other moms, bringing you information from expert speakers, and most importantly, drawing you closer to Jesus.

IN THE WORD

Mondays starting September 16 • 9:30-11:30AM OR Tuesdays starting September 17 • 7:00-8:30PM James Madsen leads this discussion-oriented study of the letter to the Hebrews for men and women.

WOMEN IN THE WORD

Mondays starting September 16 • 9:30-11:30AM Join us as we study Beth Moore’s Living Beyond Yourself: Exploring the Fruit of The Spirit.

SUNDAY COMMUNITIES

Sundays starting September 22 • 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. Learn more: cpconline.org/sunday-communities

CARE GROUPS LGBTQ FAMILY GROUP

This group is for parents and family members of someone who is LGBTQ. Discuss together how to best love and support our loved one and each rgarton1@msn.com other.

GRIEF RECOVERY

Tuesdays, June 11, July 9, & August 13 • 7:00-8:30PM • Fireside Room Grief Recovery is for those who have lost a loved one. We experience God’s hope and healing through fellowship and prayer, and sharing dessert. No debbiem@cpconline.org reservation needed.

GRACE & HOPE FOR OUR CHILDREN

Tuesdays, June 18, July 16, & August 20 • 7:00-8:30PM • Fireside Room 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 dbrown@dcbrowninc.com speakers.

S.T.A.R.S.

(Short Term Assistance Reaching Seniors) is a ministry designed to support seniors at home during their recovery from an accident, illness, or fall, or returning home after a hospital/rehab stay. Services include transportation to doctor/physical therapy appointments, grocery shopping, light housekeeping, and more! Judy Brink at 952.920.4364

SERVE HERE LOVE JESUS AND LOVE KIDS?

Help kids feel known and loved and learn about Jesus and the Gospel by helping out weekly or monthly, working directly with children or behindkarenr@cpconline.org the-scenes.

SUMMER 2019

CPC LIFE

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

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

FAMILIES MOVING FORWARD

July 21-28 CPC will welcome our guests experiencing homelessness in July. Temporary shelter is critical while families work with FMF to secure stable housing. There are many opportunities to serve our guests: provide a meal, bring some encouragement and cheer to the children, stay overnight, do laundry and more. Sign up: cpconline.org/events

CALLING ALL SINGERS! JOIN THE CHANCEL CHOIR!

Thursdays • 7:00-9:00PM (Rehearsals) and Sundays • 9:30AM (Worship) We’ve got a place for you in the Chancel Choir at CPC. This non-auditioned group participates primarily in the 9:30AM service and is open to any interested singers. Rehearsals begin September 5. Contact Heather Hood (heatherh@cpconline.org) if you’re interested in learning more.

NEAR BLOOMINGTON LOAVES AND FISHES

Fridays, June 21, July 19, & August 16 • Third Friday of the month, year-round; Meal Prep: 2:00-4:00PM, Serve: 5:00-7:00PM • Creekside Community Center Individuals, small groups, and families with children are welcome to volunteer and serve a hot meal to those in need. Meal prep is best for volunteers ages 16 and older while serving is best for volunteers ages 7 and older. Sign up: cpconline.org/events

FAR SUPPORT CPC’S COLOMBIA TRIP TEAM

Trip Dates: June 24-29 Please pray for our team traveling to Colombia to see the work CPC Mission Partner Opportunity International is doing to end extreme poverty. The team will be commissioned during our 11:00AM service on June 23. We would love to follow up with a debrief from the team. For future details: cpconline.org/serve-far

MISSION PARTNERS SUMMER MISSION OF THE MONTH

Our Go!Trip scholarship fund enables members of our community to build meaningful and life-changing relationships with our mission partners in other parts of the world. Mark your check memo Mission of the Month or give online: cpconline.org/give

PARTNER FROM INDIA TO VISIT CPC

July & August Our partners in India, Maren and Daniel, and their children will be home visiting family and friends during July and August. We would love for you to meet them, encourage their efforts, learn more about their work, and hear their stories about life in India. We would also be happy to connect you in order to arrange an informal presentation for your small group, neighbors, or friends. Contact Leslie Boie (leslieb@cpconline.org) if you’re interested in learning more.

BIRTHS

Sean and Esther Connor welcomed a son, Bennett Joshua, on March 25. Eric and Annie Schmidt welcomed a son, August Walker, on April 13. Samuel and Marcy Eccles welcomed a daughter, Mollie Kate, on April 22.

MARRIAGES

Jason Probst and Emily Dreis were married on May 18. The Rev. Richard Phenow officiated.

DEATHS

John P. Pope passed away on February 3 at the age of 84. He is survived by daughter Anne (Wally) Schuetz and grandchildren Rachel, Crista, Jeremy, and Becca.

STAFF UPDATES

Nate Opsata leaves his position as Associate Director of Elementary (emphasis 4th & 5th grade). David Peterson, Finance Manager, celebrates 20 years of employment at CPC on June 17! His attention to detail, efficiency, and dedication ensure CPC’s fiscal responsibility and successful operations.

CPC OUTSTANDING SENIOR of the YEAR AWARD

Congratulations to Nila Varner! Nila is 80 years old and during her time at CPC, she has been a deacon, a member of the MORE Sunday community, a volunteer for Urban Ventures and CPC, and a member of the Needlework Guild. She has also cooked, cared for, and served our seniors at our mid-month luncheon for years and has participated in many classes. We applaud and joyfully award this honor to Nila.

Gladys Mitchell passed away on May 27 at the age of 95. She is survived by son John (Quay) Mitchell, daughter Barb (Jim) Eppel, and grandchildren Sarah, Caitlin, John, Holly and Chloe.

FINANCIAL UPDATE

RECENTLY HOSPITALIZED

*Given through special offering, above and beyond missions’ dollars we budget for partners.

Nikki Abramson Dave Appelhof Robert Hodges Mike Montgomery Don Terwilliger

Cheri Allan Ruth Gregory Gene Lazaretti Marilyn Ridge

COLLEGE SUMMER INTERNS

Isaac Anderson*—Texas Christian University Britt Bass—University of Minnesota Katie Cowen—Whitworth University Abbey Duehn—Bethel University Ryan Gallagher—St. John’s University Peyton Gallagher—Bethel University Sam Garton*—Indiana University Devin Miller—University of Minnesota Bennett Pope—Whitworth University Gracie Taylor—Miami University (Ohio) Zach Versluis*—Purdue University

SUMMER STAFF Marisa Griner Alex Norton

Missions YTD Total Missions Giving*: $398,077

Ministry Fund Revenue/Expense Update March 2019 YTD Revenue Actual: $4,029,218 March 2019 YTD Revenue Budget: $4,049,001 April 2019 YTD Revenue Actual: $4,383,983 April 2019 YTD Revenue Budget: $4,362,664 YTD (4/30/2019) We are ahead on giving revenue by $21,319. We are under on expenses by $264,394. CPC fiscal year 2019 ended on May 31, 2019.

Global Leadership Summit 2019 Christ Presbyterian Church will not be hosting the GLS this year. Current CPC staff do not have the capacity and technical knowledge to produce

such a large event. Our staff will have the opportunity to attend at other sites, and we encourage our congregation to do the same. You can find other local options at globalleadership.org.

*Those who call CPC their home church CPC LIFE

SUMMER 2019

SUMMER WORSHIP

SATUR DAYS AT 5:15PM • CO NTEM PO RARY WO RSH IP (in Westview) SUNDAYS AT 9:30AM • TRAD IT IO NAL WO RSH IP SUNDAYS AT 1 1 :00AM • CO NTEM PO RARY WO RSH IP JUNE WORSHIP SERIES

Prayer brings us into the presence of God. But for many, prayer can sometimes become lifeless and stale. In this series, we seek to intentionally challenge how we pray—trusting that God will draw us into a daring, life-changing purpose.

JULY & AUGUST WORSHIP SERIES

IRRESISTIBLE FAITH These days, the word Christian evokes as many negative reactions as positive ones. But what if our lives reflected a life-giving, contagious presence in the world today—that pointed to the irresistible Christ? This series will present a blueprint for pursuing the vision of the early Church, motivating us to become a community that loves deeply and serves faithfully in the places where we live, work, and play. Copies of Scott Sauls’ book will be available in Pathway for just $10! Grab a copy for personal or group use.