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The Pastor's Corner 
It seems to me that with the change in party control of Congress we are getting a new series of initiatives to regulate human behavior. The old regime was trying to restrict abortion, stop stem cell research, and ban homosexual marriage. The new regime wants to restrict smoking, ban fatty foods, protect the environment, and restrict executive compensation. Both seem to believe that laws can correct behavior they find threatening or unhealthy.
Martin Luther describes the Ten Commandments not only as “a bridle that leads to God, but also as a hammer that smashes our pride and self righteousness and drives us back to God for forgiveness and help.” This is why Jesus came. If you and I and the world could live these laws by ourselves, the tablets Moses brought down from Mt. Sinai would have been enough.
Philip Yancey, in his book “What's So Amazing About Grace,” describes the limits of the power of laws. “Government can shut down stores and theaters on Sunday but they cannot compel worship. They can arrest and punish KKK murderers but cannot cure their hatred, much less teach them love. They can make divorce more difficult but cannot force husbands to love their wives and wives their husbands. They can give subsidies to the poor but cannot force the rich to show compassion and justice. They can ban adultery but not lust, theft but not covetness, cheating but not pride. Laws and encourage virtue but not holiness.” Yancey reminds me of a famous saying: good people don't need laws and bad people don't obey them.
The unchanging reality is that only God's love, and the Spirit of Christ living in us, can produce a life of virtue and a heart for holiness. Only the Spirit of Christ living within us can bring humility and faith. Only the spirit of Christ can lead us into a lasting and loving relationship with God.
So legislate as you wish. Americans certainly can use healthier habits and a fairer use of resources. But laws can only do so much.
James Brassard
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Think Stephen! 
We have many needs for God's care in our CCPC community: people experiencing grief, loneliness, divorce, illness, family changes, financial setbacks and much more. Often people with such needs suffer silently or do not request the level of care they really need. When you know people who are struggling, don't just tell them you're sorry and hope that things will get better. Show them you care--ask how they are, listen to what they have to say, and encourage them to consider asking for a Stephen Minister. CCPC's first class of Stephen Ministers is working one- on-one with several individuals in complete confidentiality, and a new class will be forming in the spring. Please consider referrals to our Stephen Ministry now, or think about using your gifts as a new Stephen Minister. Your care can make all the difference in the world. For more information, contact Anita Pesses or Margaret Hallau.
Learn more about Stephen Ministry at CCPC
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 Global Warming Documentary
Please join the Adult Education Council and the Spirit and Discovery Group for Spotlight on Global Warming on Sunday, February 11, at 4 pm in the sanctuary. The documentary "An Inconvenient Truth" will be shown. CCPC is joining more than 4000 congregations across the country that have screened this film that documents the impending climate crisis and urges viewers to act.
Plan on staying for the discussion in Dodds Hall after the movie with Dr. Paul Chan, a climate researcher and former associate director of the Global Change Data Center and director of the Earth Science Data Center, both at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Dr. Chan has worked for USDA's Economic Research Service, and for the National Weather Service. He is currently with Caelum Research Corp., a small technology company in Rockville.
A delicious soup supper will be available to warm the belly and the soul (not the planet!) for only $3
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Session Recommends Bylaws Change 
Bylaws Amendment: Article VI of the CCPC Bylaws requires that a proposed amendment to the Bylaws be announced from the pulpit two successive Sundays preceding the day of the Congregation Meeting. As such, Session wishes to announce it will be recommending a Bylaws change to allow the size of the Board of Deacons to range from 15 to 21 members. Additional information about this proposed change is available by reviewing the 2006 CCPC Annual Report or by contacting Clerk of Session Paul Bolig. More about Session
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Community Cafe Report 
Our regular visit to the Community Cafe was on Friday, January 12. The crew who made lunches on Thursday included Sylvia Dunlap, Mary Hazell, Ellen Westbrook, Elsie Bell, Effie Grubb, Lois and Cal Pals, and Bob Smith. Those going to the cafe on Friday were Nancy and Dave Honeyford, Marjorie and Chuck Tanner, Ralph LoRusso, and Bob and Jackie Smith. We served pizza and handed out the packed lunches, socks, and the personal packets Jane Sumner puts together. More about Mission
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The Pantry is Bare . . . 
The holidays depleted certain items from our pantry shelves. The pantry needs juice (we have none), canned fruit, canned meat products, and spaghetti sauce. Please bring these items to the pantry door at any time. Thank you for your support!
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We're Hosting an Interfaith Community Discussion 
The Bowie Clergy Association, a local interfaith coalition, invites you to a community discussion concerning issues that affect all Americans. We witness daily violence in the name of religion in the media to the point that it affects the quality of our lives. The association felt that you may have a personal point of view on the matter; this is an opportunity to address the issue with a knowledgeable person from another religious tradition. We have invited religious leaders and scholars from three of the largest global religious influences--Judaism, Christianity, and Al-Islam-- to open the discussion on religion, fundamentalism, and the perceived crisis of modernity. This community discussion takes place on Sunday, January 28, at 3 pm at CCPC.
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In the Beginning 
Tickets are still available for our bus trip on May 10 to see this new production at the Sight & Sound Theater in Strasburg, PA. "In the Beginning" is based on the first five chapters of Genesis and presents the Biblical account of creation through drama, staging, music, and live and animatronic animals.
Don't delay! Make your reservations today by calling Marge Clark. A deposit of $34 is due by January 29 with the balance of $50 due April 6. (Reduced rates are available for children and teens.) The total per person cost will be increased if we have fewer than 54 participants. Checks should be made out to Marge and either placed in the Treasurer's box in the church office.
Sight and Sound Theater
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A Great Night Out 
Plan to attend a evening of fun and live entertainment on Saturday, January 27, at 8 pm in our sanctuary. “A Night at CCPC” will feature music, dance, funny skits, poetry readings and other live acts. Light refreshments will be served. Don't miss it!
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| Please Share Your Thoughts 
OK, so you've noticed that the Caller looks different this week. With a change in office staff, we're trying something new, called an e-newsletter. The idea is to make the Caller more colorful, easier to read, and a better way to keep CCPC members and friends informed. (And of course we are using the regular postal mail to send copies to those for whom we don't have e-mail addresses.) We'd love to hear your comments and suggestions--and get your contributions for the next issue. The deadline, as always, is Monday noon.
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CCPC Calendar 
Mail or E-mail? 
Don't forget to let the office know if you would like to receive a copy of the Caller by postal mail, or if you prefer e-mail--and be sure we have your correct address! 
