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The Pastor's Corner 
 When I first started as a pastor I dreaded the late October and early November when I had to start talking about money. I discovered that most of the people on the Stewardship committee didn't like to talk about it either. One Elder jokingly added money to his list of the things that are not discussed in polite company: politics, sex and religion. Two general methods are usually used to secure commitments for churches. One is the "begging method." You send people door to door to present the "needs of the church" as outlined in a proposed budget. The callers beg people to "step up" and help the church meet its needs. You keep begging until you hear from everyone.
The second and more appropriate method is to simply teach people the Biblical principles of Stewardship. The scriptures talk about "proportional" giving out of gratitude. The bible says we "give as a response to what God has already given to us." In other words, there is a "need for the giver to give" for his or her own spiritual development rather than the "need for the church to receive" in order to funds its programs. Herb Miller states it well, "Instead of treating people like members of a social club who need to pay dues, we treat people like followers of Jesus Christ who want to give unselfishly as an act of faith and devotion." Giving is a voluntary thing between you and God.
During worship the next few weeks you will hear testimonies from members and friends of CCPC who have felt God's powerful presence in their lives. You will be asked to bring forth "an Estimate of Giving" card on "Consecration Sunday."
November 18: A potluck luncheon will be held after the 11:00AM service to celebrate the blessings God has showered upon this church.
Elder Jim Sherrick will be shepherding this year's Consecration Sunday program. Much more to come next week.
Blessings,
James Brassard
Worship Notes:
We live in a region where power is wielded unashamedly. The politically weak get routinely run over by the those with high poll numbers. Even our children seem to intuit that the trophies are bestowed on those who prove to be the smartest, strongest, prettiest, or the most popular among their peers. So if, as Jesus says in the Beatitudes, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." I would like to find the corner of the earth the meek are going to inherit. Someone once wondered, when the meek do inherit the earth, will they remember to remain meek? There is some powerful and very personal truth behind these famous words of Jesus. Let's explore them together on Sunday.
Confirmation Class will meet at 12:15PM
in the Conference Room.
Sunday, October 21st:
- 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
- 8:30AM and 11AM worship services
- Children's Library Sunday
- *Adult Education Hour and Sunday School at 9:45AM
- New Members' Seminar 9:45AM (Pastor's Study)
- Confirmation Class 12:15PM (Conference Room)
- Choirs
- Craft Night 5-8PM
- Youth Council Meeting (after 2nd service)
- New Time: Prayer Study 7PM (Parlor)
Sunday, October 28th:
- Reformation Sunday; 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
- 8:30AM and 11AM worship services
- *Adult Education Hour and Sunday School at 9:45AM
- New Members' Seminar-
9:45AM (Pastor's Study)
- Trunk or Treat
- Youth Groups: 5PM Jr. High and 6:30PM Sr. High
- Band Night at Bowie Towne Center
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Session Highlights
October 8, 2007
Session is conducting its annual review of membership roles.
Finance Committee offered its proposal for developing the 2008 budget for the church. The final budget is scheduled to be reviewed and approved by the Session at its December meeting.
The Stewardship campaign will begin with members speaking to the subject at worship services, beginning October 21, 2007.
Consecration Sunday will be November 18, 2007. Estimate of Giving cards will be distributed and collected during worship services on that Sunday, with an all-member pot luck luncheon to celebrate gifts to the church following the second service. Time and Talent gifts will also be sought during the campaign.
Session approved a proposal by the Outreach and Evangelism Committee to set up a web committee to develop and implement a comprehensive plan for the CCPC web site to take advantage of the more than 2000 visits per month to our web site.
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Prayer Study Group
Meets regularly on the 1st and 3rd Sunday evening of each month at 7PM. (Note time change) We welcome new members. Please call Doris Kobe at 301-464-2097 for more information.
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Youth News 
 
For information regarding Youth activities and participation, please contact either James Rada or Astrid Jonas.
Upcoming CCPC Youth Events and Activities:
Sunday the 21st will be Craft Night. We'll be making some crafts to take to some of our "shut-in" members. And we'll also be making some crafts to sell at the Christmas Marketplace.
For this, we need the following:
1. Fleece material, and sewing scissors (with names on)
2. Clear plastic craft sheets
3. Tapestry Needles
4. Scraps of bright, 4-ply yard (red, green, and white)
And, as always, we could use YOU! The more people, the more crafts!
Haunted Halls/Trunk or Treat-Request for Supplies:
·black tarp/plastic-sheeting (lots)
·large pieces of cardboard, or sheets of styro- foam
·smoke/fog machines
·grim attire (masks, capes, etc) for costumes
·makeup (fake blood, black masque, fangs, etc)
·clothes/hay/rope/burlap/old-boots/sticks/etc for making scarecrows
·more hay... hay, hay, hay
·pumpkins and other traditional Halloween produce
·several portable blowers (as may be used to dry floors)
·strobe lights (or other special effect lamps)
·fake spider web
·spooky signs (e.g. "Victim Wanted, Apply Within")
·black lights
·red/orange/green lights
·extension cords and power splitters
·duct tape
·painter's tape
·fake butcher's cleaver
·amputated arm -- fake, please ;)
·butcher's apron
·powerful squirt gun that we can break for parts
·tombstones/fake-skulls/etc
·creepy creatures
·spooky pictures/hangings for the walls
·dim flicker lights/bulbs; battery operated please (no flames)
·black thread and nylon fishing line
Wish list (nice to have)
·PVC pipe and connectors to build the frame of a small maze
·large clear Plexiglas sheet(s)
·full size skeletons (props, not the expensive medical kind)
·bats and bat-like things, some hanging, some flying (cut them out of construction paper if you need to)
·one full compressed air tank with a long hose and trigger attachment for shooting bursts of air convincing lightning and/or thunder effects
·motion activated spooks (nothing too silly or irritating, please)
·head-sized metal noodle strainer (for possible electric chair prop)
·table top sized board with a head-size hole cut in the center (matching floor length table cloth with a head- sized slit in the center)
If you would like for any of these items to be returned to you after Halloween, please mark them and make a list for us of what you provided. Thank you.
Youth Council Meeting:
Sunday, October 21st
after the second worship service.
CAPITAL AREA FOOD BANK
We need your help! A group of us are going to the Capital Area Food Bank in DC on Sat., October 20th.
Remember when we went during the 30- Hour Famine? We had a good time and helped a lot of people! We will be helping prepare food for hungry people in our area. If you can join us, either give me a call or email me. We will meet at CCPC at 8:15AM and leave no later than 8:30AM. We will work from 9AM-12PM and be back to Bowie around 12:30PM. We could probably use one or two drivers, as well, depending on how many volunteers we get! Thanks. Please contact Lori Kronser.
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Web Committee-Call For Members
Over the last twelve months there were almost 30,000 visits to the CCPC website! Obviously our site is an important way to share information with members and friends and with our wider community. Thank you to Dennis Evans for the many hours he spends posting information and to all those who have worked on the site over the last several years.
It's time to review our goals for the site and determine what we need to do to meet these goals. With approval from Session, the Outreach and Evangelism Council is establishing a web committee to build on the work that has been done to date and develop a long term plan for our web presence. If you are interested in being a part of the web committee, please contact Margaret Hallau.
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Other News, Events and Happenings
HELP SUPPORT CCPC NURSERY SCHOOL by ordering at UNO Chicago Grill at the Bowie Town Center this Thursday, October 18th. You will need to use a coupon to receive the discount. (Coupons are available on the information table in the Narthex at CCPC.) UNO will donate 20% of your check to the CCPC Nursery School (Dine in or Carry Out). Thank you.
Worship Council Meeting and Strategic Session
Thursday, October 25, 2007 at 8PM in the conference room.
Help the Homeless Walkathon:
November 17, 2007
Please help the CCPC walkers in the Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Walkathon by signing up to join the team or by supporting the team with a financial donation. CCPC will be walking for Community Ministry of Prince Georges County this year.
To join or support the team go to the website and follow these simple steps: Visit - Help the Homeless DC.org
- Click on Washington, DC (left column)
- Click on 2007 Beneficiary Organization Directory (left column)
- Click on Register
- Select the CCPC Team
- Click on Join Our Team to become a walker
If you want to make a donation, you can support an individual walker or you can make a General Team Donation. If you have any questions, please contact Paul Sell.
MISSION SPEAKER
Dr. Mary Sue Makin, OB/GYN Mission Worker to Malawi, will speak at area Presbyterian Churches:
Mon Oct 15th 7:30PM - Old Presbyterian Meeting House in Alexandria
Tues Oct 16th 7:30 PM - St Mark, Rockville
Wed Oct 17th 7:30 PM - Bradley Hills, Bethesda
"My fifteen years in Africa working as a doctor for women have been tremendously rewarding and challenging," says Sue. "Many of the rewards come from serving friendly, appreciative people who live in extremely poor conditions, yet show warmth and love in their interactions." You are invited to attend any of these meetings to learn more about Dr. Makin's work.
St. Pius Sodality Flea Market and Bake Sale! (Rain or Shine)
St. Pius X Sodality Church Hall, 14720 Annapolis Rd. in Bowie, Saturday October 20th from 10AM to 3PM. Proceeds from the earnings will be distributed to the needy families and organizations in Bowie.
Job Opening-United Parish of Bowie
The United Parish of Bowie, located at the corner of Mitchellville and Mt. Oak Roads, is seeking a church secretary to work 4 to 8 hours per week. Please call the Rev. Michael Parker for more information: 301-249- 6411.
Bowie City Hall - Featured Artist of the Month. The art and photography of CCPC's DICK ARNOLD will be featured at City Hall through October 27. Visit the City of Bowie Homepage at http://www.cityofbowie.org for more information. |
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Katrina Work Camp
Many of you heard John Travis speak in May about his Katrina work camp experiences with Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church. There will be another work camp Saturday, Nov. 3 at Olive Tree Camp on the grounds of what was once Eastminster Presbyterian Church near New Orleans. Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church has space for a few more people to go. If anyone is interested, please let me know. Charles and I are planning to go. Marjorie Tanner.
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CCPC Flower Beds
We need more volunteers to help maintain the church property. Last year we had some people that signed up but did little in their plots, and we lost a number of shrubs and dogwood trees. It should only take an hour every two weeks depending on the weather. The sign up list is in the Narthex. Please sign up to assist. We need your help. For questions, please call Dick Arnold. Thank you.
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Health and Healing
Health and Healing meets every Tuesday, through May, except for Christmas week or when schools are delayed or closed due to inclement weather.
We will continue our format of:
Sharing & Laughter--9:00AM
Exercise--9:30AM
Break--10:00AM
Study time--10:15 to 10:55AM
Worship--11:00 to 11:30AM
We will have a new exercise tape (if we like it) which will give us some Pilates exercises. We will continue studying Don't Sweat the Small Stuff. Each lesson is independent of the others. You are welcome to join us for any portion of the morning. Rev. Brassard usually conducts the worship service once a month. For more information, call Doris Kobe.
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| Christmas Gift Market
MARK YOU CALENDARS!
NOV 11TH 9:30AM-2PM
for the annual
Christmas Gift Market.
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| Fall Beautification Day
(Clean up Day)
November 17th from 8:30AM until lunch.
Pizza and beverages will be provided.
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This Week at CCPC
Happy Birthday to all those celebrating birthday's during the month of October
· Worship Services Sundays (8:30 and 11AM)
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· 4th Monday - Outreach and Evangelism
· 1st/3rd Monday - Tiger Lilies
· 1st Tuesday - Deacons Meeting
· 4th Tuesday - Mission Committee
· 2nd/4th Tuesdays - Stephen Ministry
· Tues/Thurs - Yoga
· Every Wednesday - Paper Tigers
· Every 3rd Wed - Sewing Guild (Elsie Bell)
· 2nd/4th Thursdays - Lady Tigers (Parlor) *********************************************************
Munchin Luncheon WILL NOT be held in October.
We will see you in November.
Monday, October 15
--Hope Circle 10AM (at Mary Keller's)
--Sea Scout Ship 1009, BSA Recruiting Night 6-9PM (DH)
--Reiki Energy Healing 7PM (Sanctuary)
--Tiger Lilies 7:30PM (Parlor)
Tuesday, October 16
--Health and Healing 9-11:30AM (Parlor)
--Evening Adult Ed - 7PM
------Financial Peace (FPU)-AE Rm
------Alpha Series-Sr High Rm
--Chesapeake Chorale: 7PM Rehearsal (DH)
--Gentle Yoga 5:30PM (Sanctuary)for seniors and beginners
--Yoga 7PM (Sanctuary)
Wednesday, October 17
--Paper Tigers Breakfast 8AM (Jr. High Room)
--Bowie Therapeutic Nursery Family Dinner /Parent Education Night 6PM (DH)
--Sea Scout Ship 1009 BSA 6-8:30PM (CCPC)
--Mixed Bag Sewing Guild 7PM (Conference Room)
--Choirs & Worship Team Rehearsals
(Starts at 6:30PM)
Thursday, October 18
--Gentle Yoga 5:30PM (Sanctuary)for seniors and beginners
--Yoga 7PM (Sanctuary)
--Clinquant Rehearsal-Hand bell choir 7PM
Friday, October 19
--Anne Arundel County Schools Closed
--MTSA Convention College Night
Saturday, October 20
--Capital Area Food Bank 8:15AM (meet at CCPC)
--Spiritual Gifts 1-4:30PM
Discovering God's Vision for Your Life (AE)
--Brownie Field Trip Activities and Lunch 10AM (DH) Contact: T. Sherrick
Sunday, October 21
29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
--8:30 &11AM Worship
--Children's Library Sunday
--(9:45AM) Adult Ed and Sunday School
--New Members' Seminar 9:45AM (Pastor's Study)
--Youth Council Meeting (after second service)
--Confirmation Class 12:15PM (Conference Room)
--Craft Night 5-8PM
--Prayer Study 7PM (Parlor)
Monday, October 22
--Grace and Glory Circle 7PM (offsite)
--Outreach and Evangelism Council 7PM (Conference Room)
--Sea Scout Ship 1009, BSA 7PM (CE Bldg, Rm 6) |
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Library News
Children's Library Sunday will begin October 21st during the education hour.
The following books are on the new books shelf and are available to be checked out for use in the Circle study this year: Salvation Through Judgment and Mercy, The Gospel According to Jonah by Bryan Estelle and The Story of Ruth, Twelve Moments in Every Woman's Life by Joan Chittester.
Our church library will be open before and following each worship service this year and during the education hour. Use the self-check out system posted on the desk to take out books. You can find biography, fiction, and non fiction books that focus on understanding faith and growing in spiritual life. Parents and children may visit the library to select books. Books may be returned to the basket outside the library. Please continue to look for books that are ready to be returned. Thank you! |
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Spirit Events
New Night for Reiki Energy Healing
Reiki Energy Healing will be held on the 3rd Monday of each month from 7-9PM in the CCPC Sanctuary.
Next Reiki Energy Class: October 15, 2007. Join Jan, Linda and Sheree for healing. Reiki practitioners welcome!
NEW YOGA CLASS this fall at CCPC
Linda is now offering a Gentle Yoga Class for seniors, beginners, people recovering from illness and those who can't make the 7PM class. The class will be held every Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30PM. She will still offer the Tuesday and Thursday 7PM Yoga class for all levels. Feel free to drop in. At the 5:30PM class we will use props, cushions and chairs for ultimate relaxation in the yoga poses. There is also a new Sun Salutation Class Saturday mornings off campus. For more information contact Linda at n.litoes@verizon.net
NOTE: Yolinna Yoga and Reiki Healing has a NEW domain.
www.yolinna.com and the Spirit Group's address has changed to http://mysite.verizon.net/vze3hvnp/spiritgroup.
First SoulCollage® Worship & Retreat
October 27th from 10AM-4PM at CCPC in Dodds Hall. SoulCollage® is a process through which you contact your intuition and create an incredible deck of cards which have deep personal meaning and which will help you with life's questions. Join a pair of trained SoulCollage® Facilitator's as they lead you through this fascinating, creative journey. All materials and lunch provided! For more info, contact Linda Miller or Sheree Ruhl or visit the website www.yolinna.com. |
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| CCPC Winter Wonderland Dinner Dance
The third time is the charm. Please note the new date! Mark your calendars and dust off your dancing shoes- CCPC's Holly Ball has been rescheduled once again due to overwhelming seasonal conflicts- and is now the CCPC
Winter Wonderland Dinner Dance. It will be held on
Saturday, January 12th, 2008
from 7:00PM to 12:00AM
in Dodds Hall.
Chef Carl Neumann and his elves have a delightful evening planned, full of savory seasonal dishes to warm the belly and lively music to encourage you to kick up your heels! We need folks to help transform Dodds Hall into a winter wonderland. Please contact Sheree Ruhl at 301-805-5853.
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| Notes from the Office
The Caller Schedule & Article Deadlines
October 22, 2007
(articles are due no later than [1p.m.] Thurs, Oct 18)
October 29, 2007
(articles are due no later than [1p.m.] Thurs, Oct 25)
November 5, 2007
(articles are due no later than [1p.m.] Thurs, Nov 1)
November 12, 2007
(articles are due no later than [1p.m.] Thurs, Nov 8)
November 19, 2007-NO CALLER, Thanksgiving week.
November 26, 2007-TBD
Please contact the office to schedule events.
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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.
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In the ongoing effort to maintain our Caller distribution list, please let the office know should your method of receipt for the Caller change. Simply indicate your preference via email to ccpcbowie@verizon.net, or send a note to the church office. Thank you!