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CCC NewsNotes January 15, 2002 What's Going On At CCC, Reiki Treatments Offered To Assist Building Fund, Search For Church School Post, Deacons Give Thanks. CCC Plans For End To "Wilderness Journey", Open & Affirming Talk For Churches On Feb. 9, CCC's Lenten Preview, Social Witness Month, Souper Bowl Sun. 2/3, Exploring The Ordinary To Discover The Divine, CCC Operating Budget Still Hampered By Deficit, News Notes Deadlines, CCC Staff CCC Operating Budget Still Hampered By Deficit Halfway through our fiscal year, CCC's budget is on track, but the anticipated deficit has not gone away. Here are some key figures: Income: The budget projected total income for the current fiscal year to be $479,276, and that appears to be a fairly accurate number. However, some components of our income have proven to be different than what the budget estimated. The budget assumed that pledges would total $450,000, but the amount came to about $15,000 less (210 pledges for $435,000). On the other hand, we've received about $2,000 more in late payments on last year's pledges and about $4,500 more in loose plate offerings than the budget had projected. Consequently, assuming that loose plate offerings continue at the same rate in the second half of the year, the increases should largely offset the shortfall in pledge income. Expenditures: The budget set total expenditures at $521,434.26, and that remains largely on track. Total expenditures for staff have been slightly less than anticipated because of Toby Ratcliffe's resignation; postage and office supplies have cost less than expected; and our boards and committees have been reasonably frugal so far. On the other hand, utilities have been running higher than expected, and on Jan. 1 we were hit with an unanticipated 15 percent jump in our property insurance costs. Projected Deficit: The budget projected a deficit of $42,158, due largely to the extra costs we're incurring for our relocation at Marvin, a professional audit and the development of planned giving resources. So far, that projection remains fairly accurate. The church has about $26,000 in budget surpluses from past years that can be used to offset some of this deficit. But what will make up the remaining $16,000 of the deficit is as yet unknown. Dave Ackerman, chair, CCC Board of Trustees Exploring The Ordinary To Discover The Divine As the church year goes, we are now in the season after Epiphany. It is also referred to as ordinary time, as is the time between Pentecost and Advent. This time begins with the story of the Baptism of Jesus and ends with the Transfiguration. For those two Sundays the color is white, signifying the purity of Christ. Green is the appropriate color for the other Sundays, as that is the color used for ordinary time. I like to think of Epiphany as the Christian "aha." It is at least the beginning of the realization of who Jesus really is and the significance of his life and death. The Bible is full of Epiphanies. The scriptures for this time take us on a powerful journey of recognition, beginning with the gifts presented by the magi proclaiming Jesus as king, holy man and a healer who would see death himself. Then we are transported to the river, where God claims Jesus as his beloved son at the Baptism. After Jesus gathers disciples to follow him, and the strength of God is revealed in him, a few of the disciples see Jesus with the saints of the Hebrew faith as they are all bathed in heavenly light. Ordinary time indeed! It is a time of exploring who this is who has come among us. It is also designed to prepare us for the holy season of Lent. It is Epiphany that begins the chain of events that lead to Jesus' death and Resurrection. Let us take this journey, open to new insight and revelation. Pastor Linda Carder The CCC youth are getting psyched for a winning year this Souper Bowl Sunday. The game plan on Sun., Feb. 3 is for youth throughout the U.S. to greet church members after service and collect $1 per person. The funds will be donated to that church's soup kitchen, food bank or other charity. The total collected throughout the country will be reported to a central location. Last year, $3.6 million was raised. Some congregations will be getting together prior to Feb. 3 and actually making soup to be distributed on Souper Bowl Sunday to members of the congregation who place an order a couple of weeks early for a minimum donation. If any members of CCC have some great soup recipes, and you would like to help our youth prepare it in advance, please contact Mike Breads this week at (301) 565-5953. This is a great chance to share in our youth's ministries and have fun! Mike Breads Worship this month at CCC has been planned in cooperation with the Board for Social Witness. Jan. 6 served as an introduction, with special attention to Shepherd's Table. The following three Sundays highlight an aspect of the board's activities and provide information about a number of organizations that receive funding through CCC's Discretionary Mission Budget and/or hands-on assistance of CCC members. Jan. 13 was Just Peace Sunday, focusing on Shaw Community Ministry through the participation of its executive director, the Rev. Paul Saddler. Jan. 20 will be Service and Advocacy Sunday, with special attention to Rebuilding Together (formerly Christmas in April) and IMPACT Silver Spring. Jan. 27 will be Mission Sunday, with attention given to three overseas mission programs supported by CCC: Justa Paz in Sincelejo, Colombia; the Comprehensive Rural Health Project in Jamkhed, India and Christian Blind Mission International, particularly in Kenya. Anne Weissenborn, Board for Social Witness This is what we know at this point, though some events still must be finalized with Marvin Memorial: Feb. 13 Ash Wednesday: 7 a.m. service of meditation led by Ann Marshall and staff. 7 p.m. service of Burial of the Alleluia Banner and Imposition of Ashes (pancake supper and making of the Alleluia Banner not yet scheduled.) Two Study Groups will meet during Lent: Exploring Spiritual Disciplines: Tues. evenings, 7:30--9 p.m., Feb. 26--April 2. Conference room, 9601 Colesville Rd. This group, led by Jim Todhunter, will explore six key components of traditional Christian spirituality: Sabbath, intercessory prayer, fasting, stewardship, living into one's call and accountability. Participants will be asked to purchase the book The Bible and the Spiritual Disciplines (from the UCC Bible Studies for Growing Faith series) at $5 each. To register call Ruth Avery at the church office by Feb. 10. Facing Change: Sun. evenings immediately following worship for one hour, Feb. 24 -- March 24 at Marvin Memorial. Room to be announced. This group, led by Ann Marshall and Stevan Fisher, will explore how Christians can face change in their lives from a faith-based biblical perspective. They will learn how God is present during change and how faith sustains them. Participants will be asked to purchase the book of the same title from the UCC Bible Studies for Growing Faith series at $5 each. Call Ann Marshall at (301) 585-3175 by Feb. 10 to register, so that books can be ordered and available by Feb. 17. March 24 Palm Sunday: 4 p.m. service of worship. March 28 Maundy Thursday: 7:30 p.m. joint communion service with Marvin Memorial (tentative). March 29 Good Friday: 7:30 p.m. joint service of Tenebrae with Marvin Memorial (tentative). March 31 Easter: 4 p.m. Service of worship Pastor Linda Carder Open & Affirming Talk For Churches On Feb. 9 On Sat., Feb. 9, what it means to be an Open & Affirming congregation will be the topic of a day-long conference at Plymouth Congregational UCC in Washington, DC. CCC is the conference organizer and has invited the Rev. William R. Johnson, minister for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender concerns of the UCC to be the keynote speaker and moderator of the event. UCC members from the Potomac and Chesapeake associations are invited to attend. Rev. Johnson's keynote address, "Affirming and Then Open" will cover what it means to be an Open & Affirming church, the theological basis for the movement, the process by which congregations approve the designation and what this commitment means. In addition, a panel discussion will explore the topic from several perspectives. In the afternoon, smaller group discussions will provide the opportunity for networking and focus on particular issues. The conference will be held from 9 a.m. -- 3 p.m. at Plymouth Congregational UCC, 5301 North Capitol St., Washington DC. There is no charge for the conference, but a small fee for lunch will be charged. For further information, please contact Pastor Linda Carder at (301) 585-4640, ext. 227. CCC Open & Affirming Task Force CCC Plans For End To "Wilderness Journey" Happy New Year! Though the darkness and coldness winter has set in, the light and warmth of spring will return. With that, we will emerge from our wilderness journey to our newly renovated and expanded church building at 9525 Colesville Rd. As of early January, this is what is known about our return to our building: We anticipate holding our first morning worship service in our renovated building in May. For the time being, the exact date will remain flexible depending on construction completion and issuance of the occupancy permit. A specific date will be announced as we get closer to May. A dedication service will be held June 9 and will include special music, community and UCC leaders, tours of the building and a reception. Planning for both the first service in May and the June 9 dedication service has begun. Many of the comments and suggestions provided by members at last October's congregational meeting are being incorporated into these special events. There will be opportunities for all members to participate in the return to our building and celebration. Look for updates in News Notes. Terry Strand and Trish Esposito, co-chairs, Steering Committee The Board of Deacons thanks all the contributors to the Deacons' Fund this past year and those who gave memorials this Christmas season. Once we return to our own building, we will return to ordering memorial plants for the altar at Easter and Christmas. In the meantime, instead of taking plants to shut-ins, the deacons have written notes and offered to bring communion. The deacons also sent care packages to our students at college early in December. As you may or may not be aware, the Deacons' Fund is used for emergencies among our church families upon request of a minister. Also, we participate in Ministries United Silver Spring-Takoma Park and contribute $200 monthly. This fund is used for the homeless and needy. The Board of Deacons appreciates your support to the Deacons' Fund. Mary Carnahan, deacon A CCC committee has identified and contacted persons for the open position of church school coordinator. The position is still open. If you're interested in learning about job qualifications, please contact Pastor Linda Carder. Reiki Treatments Offered To Assist Building Fund Gretchen Wiederrecht, a CCC member and Reiki master, is offering Reiki treatments to CCC members for the next year, with a third of her usual $60 hourly fee going to CCC's Keystones Campaign. Reiki is an ancient form of hand-on healing, originally from Japan, that helps balance internal energy and assist with the natural healing process to promote wellness. Reiki is currently being utilized by The Washington Hospital Center as part of available therapies. It is useful for people experiencing any type of pain, especially arthritis, people diagnosed with cancer and receiving chemotherapy, for those with heart disease, or just as a means of deep relaxation. Treatments can be given in your home. For more information, call Gretchen Wiederrecht at (301) 439-2674. Sunday Adult Class: The class has begun reading and discussing "The God of Jesus: The Historical Jesus and the Search for Meaning," by Stephen J. Patterson, a professor at Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis. The class meets at 2:30 p.m. in Rm. 204 of Marvin Memorial UMC. Professor Patterson will speak to us on April 27-28. A limited number of books are available at $16.60 in the church office or in class. Sisters For Sisters: This support group for single and widowed women will meet on Sat., Jan. 19, 12:15 p.m. at the home of Evelyn Byers for a light lunch. Please bring your sandwich and Evelyn will provide homemade soup. The address is 872 College Parkway, Apt. T-1. Car pools are encouraged and may be arranged from June Leonard's home. Qi Gong: Classes began Thurs., Jan 10 at Marvin Memorial, Rm. 204, and will continue for the next 10 weeks. Cost is $6 per class. Join us in this gentle, meditative exercise. Valentine's Day Luncheon: Thurs., Feb. 14 at the Blair Mansion Inn in Silver Spring, a Washington historical landmark. More information to come. CCC 2002 Summer Camps: Check the church bulletin, CCC website and the next issue of News Notes for camp schedules. PLEASE NOTE: Deadline for the Jan. 28 issue is THURSDAY, Jan. 24 at 5 p.m. News Notes editor -- Susan DeFord (301) 649-3093, or sjdkjk@erols.comThe 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; Richard Meyer, property administrator; Ruth Avery, office administrator. |