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CCC NewsNotes February 18, 2003 God’s Healing Love,
Keystones Capital Campaign Celebration — Sunday, March 16,
Small Group Conversations
to Explore CCC's Future Staffing Design,
Winter Weekend, Fourth Sunday Series Continues,
Christian Education Administrative Assistant,
Open & Affirming at
CCC: Past, Present & Future, Social Witness Calendar of
Local, National and International Happenings, Our Whole Lives (OWL),
CCC Youth Calendar
- February—March 2003, Keystones
Capital Campaign, "Taking Care of Ourselves,"
Parent’s Night Out, Parish Note,
Excerpts from letters received We are in the season of Epiphany and moving toward Lent. During this time we read scriptures about Jesus life and ministry. And at the moment we seem to be in the midst of a series of healing stories. As I read and study these scriptures, I find myself wishing I had studied Hebrew and Greek. In those languages is there one word that means both healing and cure? Or, as in English, are there two separate words? And just what is the difference between healing and cure? Frankly, I like the fact that the word "healing" rather than "cure" is used in all the miracle stories. Certainly, when one is cured, one’s life is extended. But there is something life giving about an experience of healing. There is something so empowering about the experience of healing that one sets out from that experience in a new direction. And often that experience is accompanied with new insights. Recently, CCC offered a Day for Women. I was amazed at how many attended and how many were in serving occupations. All through the day I heard comments like "This is just what I needed!" and "This was life giving." Several others commented that each person got what they needed. That must have been why people flocked to Jesus. Each one got what they needed. And that ministry continues, as we are willing to participate in sharing God’s healing love with others. Linda Keystones Capital Campaign Celebration — Sunday, March 16 In February 2000, Christ Congregational Church embarked on the historic and ambitious Keystones Capital Campaign. The purpose of the every-member pledge campaign was to help raise funds to support the needed renovations and expansions of our church facilities. At that time, the two million dollar pledge goal seemed impossible and the three-year pledge duration an eternity. It is now February 2003 and the Keystones Capital Campaign, which has been a huge success, comes to a close. The completed renovation of our building has brought us a wonderful physical facility in which to worship, build our Christian Fellowship and serve the Silver Spring community. We are truly blessed. On Sunday, March 16th during the 9:30 and 11:00 AM worship services CCC will celebrate the completion of the Keystones Capital Campaign. There will be a special fellowship time following both the 9:30 and 11:00 services. The Keystones Capital Campaign Follow-up Committee: Toko Ackerman, Bob Brown, Shirley Coll, Trish Esposito, Connecting ... on Our Next Call Join us on Sunday, March 2 to share your views about CCC's future staffing. As you may know, the interim staff appointments of Rev. Linda Carder and Rev. Dale Ostrander will end in February 2004. As a congregation, we need to begin the process of envisioning what kind of staff we want for the future and implementing a search to identify candidates to become part of that staff. Connecting...on Our Next Call will be an opportunity to clarify our needs and priorities as we embark on this process. During each service, 9:30 and 11:00, our gathering will begin with a brief worship service followed by conversations in small groups. Group assignments will be made alphabetically. Each small group will be led by a facilitator, who will be assisted by a note-taker. Approximately 45 minutes will be allotted for discussion. Church School will be held as usual at 9:30, although a few classes may be combined to provide additional meeting space. Child care will be available at 11:00. Senior High youth are invited to participate in the small group discussions. You will receive a mailing of materials including an outline of issues and a questionnaire regarding CCC's staffing, which in turn will form the basis for discussion. If you are unable to attend one of the sessions on March 2, please fill out the questionnaire and return it to the church office. Tom Ault and Leslie Weyn The Board for Church Life would like to report that Winter Weekend was a snow-covered success. From Stevan Fisher: The winter weekend retreat to (YMCA) Camp Soles over the King holiday was a terrific way to share fun and fellowship with members of CCC and the Washington Ethical Society (WES). Near-perfect conditions provided ample opportunity to tramp through fresh snow or lounge by the fire sipping hot tea. Though the sleeping accommodations were Spartan at best, the dining hall and nearby resorts offered plenty of diversion. Thanks to all who made this weekend special and memorable. Maybe next year we’ll finish that 1000-piece puzzle! From Priscilla Peterson: The sledding right outside the lodge this year was terrific, the heated indoor pool and the indoor miniature golf at Seven Springs were delightful, plus there was in progress the Eighth Annual "Fire and Ice Festival" in the nearby town of Somerset, Pa. There were 65 large ice sculptures on display, up and down the main streets of the town, with ice carving being demonstrated on the spot. Many of the shops were offering free hot chocolate and cider, cookies, etc., plus there were various special events - a strolling barbershop quartet, a gingerbread house contest, and the largest model train exhibit I have ever seen (the whole lower level of an indoor shopping mall, organized by the Laurel Highlands Model Railroad Club). Someone had put together a replica of the town of Somerset, with trains running around it of course, and with miniature ice sculptures in front of the lighted shops of the main street!! The square dancing on Saturday night was a highlight, as always. The musicians were good. Also on Sunday morning, they entertained themselves as well as anyone who stayed indoors, by having a big "jam session" by the fireplace in the lodge while it snowed for hours. Great fun! Next year’s Winter Weekend is already being planned again for over the MLK holiday. So mark your calendars now so you don’t miss out on this fun event! Fourth Sunday Series Continues The Fourth Sunday series, a series of events designed to encourage fellowship, reflection and community-building, continues with very different programs on February 23 and March 23. With funds from the Lily Endowment Grant for Jim’s sabbatical, CCC will host the Rev. Margee Iddings of the Rising Phoenix Retreat Center as guest preacher and discussion leader on Sunday, February 23. Part of the Program Rationale and Design for the Lily Grant involved the congregation’s exploration of seeking balance between "doing" and "being" and of finding space and time for Sabbath and spiritual reflection in our lives even as Jim is exploring those themes during his sabbatical journey. Margee’s sermon will focus on how a congregation can develop its spiritual side individually and as a community. Following the second service, members are invited to the Social Hall for lunch and a discussion with Margee and a panel of CCC members currently involved in creating spiritual opportunities at the Church. A light lunch of sandwiches, fruit and cookies will be provided. Please sign up on the bulletin board by the church office or email (ruth@christ-ucc.org) or call the church office (301-585-8050) before 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 21st to indicate your interest so we can plan for lunch. On Sunday, March 23, at 7:30 p.m., the Board for Social Witness is sponsoring a program by storyteller Noa Baum. An Israeli who began a heartfelt dialogue with a Palestinian woman while living in the United States, Noa Baum weaves together their memories and their mothers' stories creating a moving testimony illuminating the complex and contradictory history and emotions that surround Jerusalem for Israelis and Palestinians alike. Watch for more information about this timely program, which will be open to the public. Christian Education Administrative Assistant For over a year, a search committee has been at work seeking candidates to fill the Church School Coordinator position previously held by Toby Ratcliffe. That part-time position involved a leadership role regarding the planning, implementing, and evaluating of our Christian Education program. It included assistance with key administrative tasks related to CE. But, despite extensive efforts, the search committee was unable to find candidates willing and able to undertake this full range of responsibilities. As a result, the committee recast the position as a CE Administrative Assistant to handle many of the administrative and clerical tasks that have to be addressed to keep our CE program vibrant and growing. Duties for this part-time position include such activities as publicizing and scheduling events, managing mailing lists, and ordering and distributing the curriculum chosen by the CE Board. In light of the ongoing work within the church to determine the future staffing configuration for CCC, it was decided to fill this position of a temporary basis. This fiscal year’s budget includes this as a 10 hour a week position. The search committee is pleased to announce that Susan Gray has agreed to fill the CE Administrative Assistant position on a temporary basis. She brings a great deal of expertise and enthusiasm to this position. For further information on the work of the search committee, please contact Kristen Brown or Jim Stedman. Open & Affirming at CCC: Past, Present & Future This is an "Open and Affirming Church." Our street sign and every Sunday bulletin and News Notes say so. But what does it mean? You are invited to an adult education session on Sunday, March 9, led by members of CCC’s "O&A" Task Force. Meetings will be held 9:15-10:15 am in the Meeting Room or 12 noon-1 p.m. in the Social Hall, where light refreshments will be served. How did CCC come to declare itself open and affirming, intentionally welcoming persons of every sexual orientation who seek to journey in faith with us? What have we done since adopting the statement? Do activities throughout the church reflect the O&A position? How does it affect our programs for children and youth? What should we be doing from now on, especially to be affirming as well as open? Come to share your feelings, concerns, ideas and suggestions. Come to listen and ask questions. You’ll be invited to leave notes of what can’t be taken up in this brief session; future meetings may be scheduled. Eleanor Waldrop Social Witness Calendar of February 5-28 - National Council of Churches and Roman Catholic Delegations Visit European Capitals re. War with Iraq On Feb. 5 a NCC delegation composed of NCC General Secretary Bob Edgar, James Winkler, United Methodist Board of Church and Society and Rebecca Larson, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, met with 15 of their European and Middle East counterparts in Berlin about a US-led invasion of Iraq. The meeting was convened by the World Council of Churches at the invitation of the Evangelische Kirche of Germany. On Feb. 11 a five-member NCC delegation met with French church representatives in Paris; the NCC group included Michael E. Livingston, Exec. Dir., International Council of Community Churches; Daniel E. Weiss, Immed. Past General Secretary, American Baptist Churches in the USA; Thomas H. Jeavons, General Secretary, Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, Religious Society of Friends; Father Stanley Deboe, Trinitarian Fathers; and John Briscoe, NCC staff. Similar delegations will visit London on Feb. 17-19, Rome on Feb. 27-28 and Moscow and/or Madrid (TBA). According to the NCC, these visits are part of a search for peaceful solutions to the Iraq crisis. For details about the delegations and host country reactions, visit the NCC website at www.ncccusa.org/news/03news10.html. February 23-26 - Africa and the Middle East Advocacy Days Beginning Sunday evening, Feb. 23, at 7:00 pm, there will be an multi-day ecumenical gathering at National City Christian Church and at Luther Place Church, Thomas Circle, Mass. Ave. and 14th Street, NW, focused upon Africa and the Middle East. Sponsors are the Africa Faith and Justice Network, Churches for Middle East Peace, Church World Service, Peaceful Ends through Peaceful Means, Stand with Africa, and the Washington Office on Africa. See Feb. 4 issue of News Notes for details. Those who cannot participate in the full program are invited to view the documentary about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, "Judgment Day," on Sunday evening , 7:00 pm at NCCC, and to attend a special service of prayer for peace and justice on Monday evening , 7:00 pm at NCCC, at which the Rev. John L. McCullough, Exec. Dir., Church World Service, will preach. February 25 – Interfaith Conference Assembly and Open House From 1:00-4:00 pm the Interfaith Conference of Washington will host an interfaith dialogue on religious extremism at the IFC’s new headquarters in the Dr. Arthur S. Flemming Center, 1426 9th St., NW. RSVP – (202) 234-6300. March 8 – International Women’s Day - Women’s Peace March, Washington, DC. Details to follow. "Our Whole Lives" is the name of a comprehensive sexuality and faith resource for children and youth produced by the United Church of Christ and the Unitarian Universalist Association. Plymouth Congregational UCC in Plymouth, New Hampshire, has used "Our Whole Lives" in its two-year confirmation program, in which eighth-graders use "Affirming Our Faith," one of the United Church of Christ’s confirmation curricula, and ninth-graders use "Our Whole Lives." Education about sexuality can provoke controversy, particularly in churches. But Plymouth recognized that today’s teenagers are exposed to a lot of sexual material and that many become sexually active before they are ready. So Plymouth decided to act, and it has paid off. Plymouth’s pastor, Rev. Judith Gooch wrote to the congregation’s college students saying that the church was thinking of making some changes in its youth program and asked them to list the most important things they remembered from church. "Without exception, they mentioned the sexuality classes," reports Gooch. "One wrote back saying that she had gone to Sunday school her entire life, but it was the sexuality program that, in her words, ‘saved my life.’ I shared that with the congregation, because what we are doing is lifesaving work." CCC is using this curriculum with 5th and 6th, 7th and 8th and 10-12th graders on Sunday night. Susan Gray CCC Youth Calendar - February—March 2003
In addition, on 3/21-3/22/03 the Senior Highs will have a Lock-In * "OWL" is the abbreviation for the Sexuality Education Program "Our Whole Lives" (See article above.) ** Permission slip is required. The Keystones Capital Campaign comes to a close on February 28, 2003. Please remember to complete your pledge payments. Thank You! "Taking Care of Ourselves," sponsored by the Women’s Committee on Feb.8, whetted our appetites. More than 50 women took time out of our busy lives to attend workshops on meditation, yoga, reiki, weight lifting, and writing as a path to God. We got to know ourselves and each other a little better. Thank you Linda Phelps and Gretchen Wiederrecht for organizing the day and thanks to all those who guided the workshops and to caterer Carolyn West-Gipson. Let the Women’s Committee know that you are interested in organizing or participating in future Women’s Days or particular topics. The Parent Night Out program is a cooperative child care program for children of all ages. It is a time for parents to have some adult time while the children have fun with each other at the church. We meet on the third Friday of each month from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. It is important for the children to be signed up each month so that we can have enough adults on duty. If you are new to the church or if you have just never given the program a try, sign up for February 21st. The sign up sheet has been moved to the new Church Life Board bulletin board. For more information or to sign up, call Glenda Neal at 301-622-3948 or gbneal@aol.com. Margaret Martin, a member of CCC since 1951, died at the age of 90 on January 24, 2003. A memorial service was held for her in the Interfaith Chapel at Leisure World on January 27. Excerpts from letters received
From Capital Area Food Bank which received $1,065 from the Christmas collection: "Your generous gift makes it possible to meet the growing need for food assistance and educate our community about hunger, an important part of our mission which gives a voice to those at risk of hunger among us. For over 22 years we have been expanding our reach and now serve a network of 780 member agencies, including soup kitchens, day care centers, senior facilities, and faith-based community service organizations. Last year, the Food Bank assisted over 285,000 people in the community through food or other household donations. Please accept our gratitude and appreciation for your dedication to alleviating hunger." From Silver Spring Community Vision which received $1,065 from the Christmas collection: "We were delighted to receive this offering, and we can assure you, we will put these funds to good use. Your help is critical because this year our client base has increased by over 23 percent while funding has declined. Your kindness allows us to provide services to the most vulnerable in our community, the homeless. We appreciate your continued support and thank you for your compassion for the homeless." From the National Youth Advocacy Coalition (NYAC) which received $500 as part of discretionary missions funding: "This year, NYAC will celebrate ten years of creating positive change in the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth. Only because of generous gifts like yours could NYAC have accomplished so much over the years. Our mission since the beginning has been to address the needs, and offer a voice to young people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender in an effort to end discrimination against these youth and to ensure their physical and emotional well being. On behalf of NYAC’s staff, Board of Directors, and the youth we work to serve, thank you for making an impact in the ongoing efforts to improve the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth. Please pass along our most sincere gratitude to your entire congregation!" PLEASE NOTE: Deadline for the next issue is THURSDAY, February 27, 5:00 P.M. Please submit articles via: email - mojobo@aol.com, phone - 301-236-0025, or paper copy - drop off in the News Notes box in the church office. Thank you, Joan Boyer, Editor 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; Richard Meyer, property administrator; Ruth Avery, office administrator; Archie Freedman, Custodian |