Shaping CCC's Ministry In Year of "Wilderness"; Potluck Supper June 17; AIM Targets Key Issues; Coming Up At CCC

At the May meeting of the CCC Executive Council, the Church Pastoral and Program Staff shared some of its thoughts on the spiritual needs of our congregation over the next year. The Executive Council found this helpful and urged that we share this presentation with the larger congregation.

1. We see the responsibility of CCC's leadership as to continually take the spiritual pulse of the congregation, and minister to the "soul" of the church.

2. The overarching biblical theme that has emerged for this period is the "Wilderness Wanderings of the People of God."

3. The initial phase of these wanderings (beginning in January 2001) has been experienced as new, interesting, challenging and bracing. But now it is beginning to sink in that the wilderness is just that -- barren, lacking in the familiar, frightening and sometimes difficult.

4. The Challenge of this Wilderness period is to survive and make it to the Promised Land (renovated CCC facilities). The Opportunity of this period is, through trial and testing, to come to know God in some new ways. We have known God many ways in the recent past: in the community we became walking with Joey through illness and mourning her death; in rising to the challe nge to both faithfully grieve and move forward as a congregation; in the success of Keystones and the Building/Design Committee's work; in the new life and energy coming from our children, youth and elders.

Now, separated from familiar symbols, places and reminders of the past, we have the painful gift of experiencing the Holy as just God, us and the needs of the world. We are sustained by the daily miracle that "God with us" is all we need, wherever we are. The Spiritual Test for us in this will be to both be honest about how hard this is and how bad it can often feel, and be able to genuinely recognize, claim and celebrate those "miracles" of God's presence and power as they are actually happening.

5. Now we have the opportunity to explore new ideas that foster community and spiritual reflection: worship, small groups, contemplative prayer, outreach initiatives, ministry that puts children and youth right in the midst of our life together, intergenerational cari ng, potluck suppers, all-church "fellowship visitation" (not for fundraising!), and more.

6. When the Israelites entered the Promised Land, they had to adapt to a new "space." Our entry into the "Promised Land" of a renovated CCC will not mark the end of challenges. We will have to adapt to a new facility, welcome (and adjust to!) the Silver Spring Child Care Center, and start over in some ways.

We will face a major ongoing stewardship challenge. Therefore, it will be important to carry our "Wilderness learning's" as we come home.

Faithfully, Jim, Linda, Dale, John, Toby & Ruth

Come join our church family for a potluck supper on Sun., June 17 following worship at Marvin Memorial. Bring your favorite dish and a relaxed frame of mind to Marvin's Hamilton Social Hall.

Those whose names begin with "A" though "F" should bring salads or vegetable dishes, "G" though "M" should bring main dishes and "N" through "Z" should bring dessert. The Board for Church Life will furnish bread and drinks. It's just for fun!

AIM Targets Key Issues

A huge scorecard dominated the podium at Beth Ami Synagogue when Action In Montgomery (AIM) met for its second annual meeting on May 14. The scorecard carried the names of every Montgomery County Council member and County Executive Doug Duncan. The display showed their positions on three issues: affordable housing, dedicated funding for affordable housing and senior transportation.

Councilpersons Isiah Leggett, Phil Andrews, Blair Ewing and Steve Silverman attended the annual meeting of the faith-based community advocacy organization. Elizabeth Davison of the Community Development and Housing Office represented Mr. Duncan.

AIM lobbied for over a year with the council and county executive to increase the affordable housing budget to $15 million, which will be matched seven-fold by state, federal and private funds. The 769 people in attendance gave a standing ovation to councilman Isiah Leggett, who alone supported dedicated funding for affordable housing.

AIM also advocates for all-day kindergarten, but the school board has been unresponsive so far. Larry Froelich, from Kehilat Shalom Synagogue and co-chair of AIM, said, "We'll be back next year."

Over the fall, AIM will conduct house meetings countywide to hear citizen concerns.

Gordon Forbes

CCC's 57th Annual Meeting will be held at 2 p.m. on Sun., June 10 in Marvin Memorial's sanctuary. Child care provided.

Summer church school provides a wonderful opportunity for those who are not able to make a regular teaching commitment during the school year. Curriculum and supplies are provided and help with lesson planning is always available from Toby Ratcliffe or Kristen Brown. You only need to sign up for one Sunday during the summer, although more is always appreciated.

Sisters for Sisters is a support group for single women and widows. We will have a potluck picnic on Sat., June 23 at 12:15 p.m. at the home of June Leonard. Please call a member of our group if you would like to join us, or if you need a ride. Our next meeting will be in October.

Beach Weekend sign-up: Now is the time to reserve your places for CCC Beach weekend, July 20-22, at Bethany Beach, DE. There's a Beach Weekend display near the CCC bulletin board in the main foyer of Marvin Memorial. We ran out of space last year, so sign up soon for a wonderful weekend of fun for families and singles, young and old. If you have questions, please call Jim Stedman, Board for Church Life, (301) 589-2259.

The deadline for the June 20 issue will be Thursday, June 14 at 5 p.m. News Notes editor -- Susan DeFord (301) 649-3093, or sjdkjk@erols.com

The Rev. Jim Todhunter, senior minister; the Rev. Linda Carder, assoc. minister; John Touchton, director of music; the Rev. Dale Ostrander, director of programming for older adults; Toby Ratcliffe, church school coordinator; Richard Meyer, property administrator; Ruth Avery, office administrator.