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The Pastor's Corner 
Yesterday afternoon the The Spirit and Discovery Group hosted a viewing of the documentary “An Inconvenient Truth.” The movie was followed by a hearty soul luncheon and a question and answer period hosted by Dr. Paul Chan, a climate researcher and former associate director of the global Change Data Center. Dr. Chan is one of those very smart guys who makes the science understandable. It was a wonderful program and highlighted the real crisis the world is confronting with climatic change.
At my table we spent considerable time discussing why Americans we so slow to react to scientific evidence. For example, the Center for Disease Control had convincing evidence nearly 30 years ago that second hand smoke was a real killer. Yet, the tobacco industry was able to keep that information silent. I remember doing a funeral for a non-smoker who died 3 years ago from second hand smoke (all 5 of her adult kids were chain smokers). This was the first I had heard of how serious a hazard second hand smoke presented.
We like to brag about our freedoms in America. What we do not like to acknowledge is how powerful and well financed corporate interests (and their political supporters in Congress and the White House) influence scientific research and how it is reported. The stunning statistic from the movie is telling. There has not been a single scientific study that denies the danger of global warming that has been accepted by a respected “juried” professional journal. Zero. The reality is that if even the most far reaching plans to combat climatic change were adopted, the concentration of greenhouse gases will continue to rise. Global warming is already baked into the Earth's future. Yet, 53% of the news articles on the topic “raise doubts” about the danger. These dubious articles quote “scientific evidence” (always underwritten by large oil companies like Exxon, which earned $40 Billion last year alone) to support their claims. With this well funded and carefully orchestrated misinformation campaign it is not surprising that the public expresses doubts about something the scientific community is in unanimous agreement.
Last Tuesday I visited a close pastor friend in Philadelphia. We attended a movie and a religious lecture on the faith of George Washington. We took in the Philadelphia Auto Show during the mid- day break. On the entire main floor of the convention center, there were only 2 cars that had EPA rated highway mileage of over 37 MPG. There were monster trunks, huge Sport Utility Vehicles, and mid-sized cars with 260 horsepower engines—all getting about 18 MPG. My friend asked the Auto Show staff “where are the Mini's and the smaller cars?” The answer was,”they are in the basement. It is pretty hard to find them here.” “Why?,” my friend asked. The staff member replied, “the automakers insisted it be that way.”
It is scandalous that we are not weaning ourselves off fossil fuels. But to be fair, we are not getting a lot of help from well funded corporate interests. I remember the line from the movie “Wall Street” where Michael Douglas', playing greedy corporate raider, Gordon Gecko, is being arrested for illegal activities. Gecko is asked why he never tells anyone the truth? He yells back, “because you couldn't handle the truth!”
Without the “truth” people cannot be expected to change behaviors. The “Truth” might be Inconvenient, but it is also life saving.
James Brassard
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Couples Yoga Night! 
Just a reminder! Couples Yoga evening is this Tuesday at 7 PM. Regular yoga continues on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7. Learn more about the CCPC Spirit and Self Discovery Group at
http://mysite.verizon.net/vze3hvnp/spirit.html
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Lenten Dinners Schedule 
2007 schedule, menus and prices:
Feb. 23, the youth will be serving chicken pot pies.
March 2, Paper Tigers are doing barbeque.
March 9, New Members will be serving African food.
March 16, PWOC will be serving a yet-to-be-announced dish.
March 23, the Deacons will be having baked potatoes.
March 30, the Choirs will offer up chili.
Dinners start at 6 PM, with food, fellowship and intergenerational programs. Kids under 3 are free, those from 3 to 10 are $1, and ages 11 and up (including adults) are $3. We will not charge more than $10 per family. Plan now to come early, have fun, and get to know each other!
Please join us and Pastor Brassard for a the first Contemplative Service at 7:15 PM in the sanctuary, following the Youth Lenten Dinner. This is an optional spiritual activity.
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Contemplative Series 
The Spirit and Self Discovery Group invites you to join them as they begin their six week Contemplative Series in the Sanctuary on Friday nights from 7-9 PM. Each week will have a different activity to offer an opportunity to nurture your spirit during the time of Lent. The first week, February 23rd, will begin with a short circle ceremony at 7:15 PM, where we will share simple prayers and Communion. We will then play some gentle music while you are invited to explore some of the practices the Spirit Group have found to be valuable in finding that quiet place within, where you can experience God in your own way. The activities will be self directed and completely voluntary, we encourage you to let your spirit lead you in any way you choose. The Parlor will also be open to those who prefer quiet fellowship and tea. For more information you may contact Linda Miller, Sheree Ruhl or Lori Kronser, or visit their website Spirit Group to view the complete series offerings at
http://mysite.verizon.net/vze3hvnp/spirit.html
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Interested in Women of Faith 2007?
The Women of Faith Amazing Freedom 2007 tour is coming to Washington, DC, July 13 and 14. Featured speakers at the Verizon Center include Patsy Clairmont, Nicole Johnson, Marilyn Meberg, Sandi Patty, Anita Renfroe, Luci Swindoll, Sheila Walsh, Thelma Wells and special guest Max Lucado. A pre- conference day with Beth Moore is scheduled for 9 am - 3 pm the Friday before the conference.For more information, contact CCPC's 2007 group leader Peggy Oates. The deadline for registration is April 1.
Learn more about the conference
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Women's History Month Event 
Mark your calendars! In celebration of Women's History Month join featured visual artist and storyteller, Ellouise Schoettler for Wise Women, Original stories and folktales. Wednesday, March 21st, at Belair Mansion (12207 Belair Drive in Bowie) 6:30 PM light dinner; Program at 7:30 PM.
For more information, reservations and pricing, contact Priscilla Bouic.
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Per Capita Donations 
Please Help!
Per Capita Donations Needed! Per Capita is the annual membership dues we are charged by the Presbytery. This year the Per Capita amount is $30/per member. Our 2007 Per Capita payment tot the Presbytery is $11,850, a $1,000 increase over last year. As of the end of January, we have only received $3,312 in Per Capita donations. This is only half of what we received in Per Capita donations for the period ending January 2006. Our Per Capita expenses are up and our Per Capita donations are way down. It's never to late to make your Per Capita donation! Just place the $30/per member donation in the blue envelope from your envelope offering box, or simply designate "Per Capita" on your check. Thank you.
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Covenant with Black America 
Thanks to Margaret Hallau for leading the Tiger Lilies discussion on the first five chapters of Covenant with Black America.
No meeting Monday, February 19th (President's Day). Independent reading is suggested to complete this text. The next meeting will be Monday, March 5th at 7:30 PM in the Parlor. Jenny Jones Gordon will lead a discussion of The Spiral Staircase, Karen Armstrong's autobiography.
We will begin discussing American Gospel by Jon Meacham on March 19. Several meetings will be spent on this book, so please check your calendars and offer up a date to lead the discussion (co-leaders are okay). Women are invited to join us. American Gospel is available now on CD. It will be available in paperback next month.
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Lost and Found 
Looking for a lost item? If you have recently misplaced an item, please call, stop by the church office or email us at ccpcbowie@verizon.net. Items on hand include a pair of blue sunglasses, Casio watch, an empty Minolta camera case, and a black winter hat. |
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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! 
