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The Pastor's Corner 
In her now classic line from her role on Saturday Night Live, the late Gilda Radnor said, “It's always something.” Three weeks ago my pulpit chair collapsed right before I got up to preach. Two weeks ago the heating system failed and the sanctuary temperature hovered near 50 degrees during the 8:30 service. Then yesterday our sanctuary Bat entertained (or terrorized) the 11AM worship service for over 25 minutes. It's always something.
I have always believed that the unexpected events in life become the most unforgettable. We Presbyterians like to pride ourselves on worship services that are carefully planned and carried out “decently and in order.” Young Barak (he will be one year old on February 27th), is too young to remember all the excitement about his baptism, but his extended family will never forget it. I believe that God blesses our lives when they are calm, and when they are a little chaotic. If we honor our Christian convictions we can take the unexpected and bizarre in stride and the inevitable “somethings” get relegated to the family lore that gets told and retold in future festive gatherings. We are indeed the “Body of Christ” and individually members of it. Barak Samuel Jegede—God has claimed you as his own.
Rev. James Brassard
P.S., For those who are concerned: I am grateful that Travis Lynch captured (and gently released into the wild) our bat. We hope he finds a nice new home.
P.S.S., To the "it's always something" file, we have been experiencing difficulties with the phone system at the church. We apoplogize in advance for not responding to any messages.
We will return to the Ten Commandments in Worship this Sunday, March 4th. The Sermon will focus on the seventh commandment: Thous shall not commit adultery. Communion will be served at both services. In the 1950's, C.S. Lewis described the American cultural attitudes towards sexuality this way, “We grow up surrounded by propaganda in favor of promiscuity.” Contrary to what some may think, God and the Bible does not have a negative view of human sexuality. The Bible teaches that God made us sexual beings for two reasons: for procreation and for intimacy. How do we uphold our convictions in a culture that treat life's most precious gifts as just another appetite to be satisfied?
Sunday Calendar, March 4, 2007
- 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM Worship Services with Communion
- 11:00 AM - Children's Ministry meets
- 12:15 PM - Youth Council Meeting
- 6:00 PM - Jr. High
- 7:00 - Sr. High
- Adult Education - Spiritual Growth Classes during the Education Hour
- Psalm of Ascent in the Parlor with Gary Cox
- New Members Seminar Continues - Pastor's office
- Spiritual Gifts - Adult Education Room with Margaret Hallau
- "God is an Awesome God" - Conference room with Dennis Evans
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Lent Readings 
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
Come hear the daily lectionary read each morning of Lent at 7:15 in the sanctuary.
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Lenten Dinners Schedule 
2007 schedule, menus and prices:
This Friday, March 2, the Paper Tigers will prepare barbecue.
March 9, New Members will serve African food.
March 16, PWOC - Coming soon
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 make plans to join us this Friday, March 2 for the Contemplative Series at 7:15 PM in the sanctuary, following the Paper Tigers 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 during their six week Contemplative Series in the Sanctuary each Friday night 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, we began begin with a short circle ceremony at 7:15 PM, where we shared simple prayers and Communion. Gentle music is played, while you are invited to explore some of the practices the Spirit Group have found to be valuable in finding that quiet place within, and where you can experience God in your own way. The activities will be self directed and are 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 Spirit Group website to view the complete series offerings at
http://mysite.verizon.net/vze3hvnp/spirit.html
the next Contemplative series event - "Art/Clay/Mandala Night" will take place on Friday, March 2 after the Paper Tigers Lenten Dinner.
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CCPC Theater Troupe Calendar and Auditions 
Auditions! For CCPC's Next Play!
A Story of Faith, Hope and Love--A Story of Jesus Told through the beautiful songs you love from Godspell, Jesus Christ Superstar, Children of Eden and many, many more. Traditional and Contemporary, rock and gospel, young and old will raise their voices to bring you fresh insights to the most powerful story ever written.
Requirements:
Adults and Young Adults--prepare 16 bars of a song that showcases your voice best. Bring your sheet music. Accompaniment will be provided by Susan Ricci- Rogel.
Children's Choir--You will learn a simple song to sing as a group.
We will need 15-20 Adults and Young Adults for the play with a Children's Choir of 10-15.
Dates:
March 4th, 12:00 PM
Children's Choir Auditions
March 4th, 6:30-7:30 PM
Jr/Sr. High Auditions
March 5th, 6:30-9:00 PM
Adult Auditions
Rehearsals: Mondays, 6:30-9:00 PM
Saturdays, 1:00-5:00 PM
Sundays, 2:00-5:00 PM
(subject to change as needed)
Performances:
May 4th & 5th at 7:30 PM
May 6th at 2PM
Want more Information? Contact Linda Miller, Melodie Dziduch, or Susan Ricci Rogel at: CCPC, 3120 Belair Dr in Bowie, MD. 301-262-6008
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CCPC Today 
- February 27th, Tuesday - "Abrakadoodle" 12 Noon - 2 PM (Conference Room)
- February 28th, Wednesday - "Quilters" 6:30 PM - 9 PM (Dodds Hall)
- March 1st, Thursday - "Charity Circle." Location: Barbara Weaver's house in Odenton. We will meet in the church parking lot at 9:30 AM and carpool to Barbara's. Circle begins at 10 AM. For more information, call Joy Bible
- March 7th, Wednesday - "Covenant Circle" 10 AM at Mary Hazell's
- March 7th, Wednesday - "New Hope Circle" 7PM (the Parlor). Contact Sue Evans.
- March 8th, Thursday - Lady Tigers (day group)
- Please see the CCPC Calendar in this newsletter for additional meetings and events
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Community Café 
Our next visit to the Community Café in Hyattsville will be on Friday, March 9th. If you would like to join us, please meet at CCPC at 11:15 AM. We will serve a pizza lunch and distribute bag lunches, socks and personal care packets (provided by Jane Sumner).
The lunch crew will meet on Thursday, Mrach 8th at 3 PM in the kitchen to prepare the bag lunches.
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CCPC's Coed Softball Team 
CCPC's Coed Softball team invites you to come out and play ball! This is our third year with the Metropolitan Christian League. Double-header Saturday morning games begin May 5th and run for 9 weeks. Practices will begin in March. Interested teens and adults ages 16 and up, please call Sheree Ruhl for more details.
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Women's History Month 
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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| 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 1st.
Learn more about the conference
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| Lost and Found 
Looking for a lost item? If you have recently misplaced an item, please call (301-262-6008), stop by the church office or email us at ccpcbowie@verizon.net.
Items on hand from Sunday's services:
Did you take the wrong coat home this past Sunday?
- reading glasses
- keys
- missing coat
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CCPC Calendar 
Mail or E-mail? 