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The Pastor's Corner 
Recently, I recently came across a paraphrase of an African proverb: "It takes a village to cultivate generosity." It got me thinking. Stewardship and giving has never been too hard for me because my parents (and Andrea's) have always been strict tither's-yes, that means giving 10% of income to the church and other institutions. This giving habit that was passed down from our parents and was cultivated in our childhood church life has blessed me in many ways. I don't waste money and I am not stingy either. I was taught to learn to live on what you have and learn to trust God to give you everything you need when you need it. My Father also taught me that regardless of what someone says or does to you "be generous in return." Generosity enables healing and sometimes even small gestures in emotionally charged situations can have enormous positive consequences. Not surprisingly, generosity is one of the "fruits of the spirit" that the Apostle Paul says we need to cultivate in our Christian walk (Galatians 5:23).
I believe we can learn to be generous regardless of our situation in life. People teach us by their actions. I have discovered that two kinds of generosity are often linked: those who are generous with their time and energy are also generous with their resources. How can we teach people to be generous? First of all we have to cultivate habits of giving and sustain those habits over time.
One way I feel we are cultivating generosity at CCPC is with the Christmas gift market. For me it is a no brainer-I would rather make a contribution to Children's Health in Madagascar instead of giving my brother another dozen golf balls on Christmas morning. Maybe not everyone likes getting a card from me telling of how I donated malaria nets instead of sending them another tie, but it probably sends a good reminder that we really have more stuff than we need while millions of others don't. I also get some of my shopping done early and I get to avoid the shopping malls! This event also raises about $7000 each year for needy people worldwide.
For Christians, the social dimension of the cultivation of generosity takes on a deeper theological meaning as it reflects an embodiment of the self giving love of Christ. As Christ has given himself to and for us, we are called to give ourselves to and for another. We give to others out of gratitude for God giving us everything in Christ. I admit that in an increasingly individualistic culture that teaching and living generosity is an uphill battle. We all need help. Family and church need to work together to produce the next generation of generous, Christ following, people. See you at the Market!
James Brassard
Worship Notes for Sunday, November 11th
You might not know that the famous pollster George Gallup is a devout Christian. I had the privilege of hearing him speak during pastors conferences at Princeton Seminary. Gallup shared the results of an extensive poll his organization conducted among American Christians. He wanted to find out what people want out of their faith. You would be surprised what he discovered. The sermon is titled "Proper Alignment" and is based on Philippians 4:10-20, where the Apostle Paul thanks the church for their years of financial and spiritual support. We will also hear James Rada give his faith testimony. Special music will be provided by the Westminster Trombone Choir during both worship services.
Remember to support the Christmas Gift Market which will be held in Dodds Hall from 9AM-2PM.
Sunday, November 11th:
- 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time; Stewardship Commitment
- 8:30AM and 11AM Worship Services
- Choirs
- 9:45AM Adult Education Hour and Sunday School
- Christmas Gift Market 9AM-2PM in Dodds Hall
- Youth Groups Movie Night at 5PM
- Discovery Circle
6:30PM (Parlor)
- Band Night-Old Bowie Town Grille 5- 8PM
Sunday, November 18th:
- 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
- 8:30 and 11AM Worship Services
- 9:45AM Adult Education Hour and Sunday School
- Choirs
- Children's Library Sunday
- Christmas Families Kick-off
- Stewardship Committee Potluck Luncheon 12:30PM (DH)
- Youth Groups: 5PM Jr High; 6:30PM Sr. High
- Prayer Study 7PM (Parlor)
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CCPC Job Opportunities
HELP WANTED
Pastoral Assistant: This is a part-time position which will focus in the general areas of outreach and pastoral care (working with the Deacons, and with the Pastor in emergency and hospital visitation).
Coordinator of Ministry to Children and their Families: This is a part-time position which will focus on the program for children of Sunday school age and their parents, and will also support the Youth program coordinator.
For additional information please contact Bob McCamish, Personnel Committee Chairman. Applications/resumes may be sent to Bob via e-mail or placed in his box in the CCPC office
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Consecration Sunday
Reminder-Consecration Sunday is November 18th
At the conclusion of both worship services you will be asked to voluntarily come forward and place your "Estimate of Giving Card" for 2008 on the communion table. Following the 11AM service we will have our Celebration of Giving Luncheon. We will handle the meal differently this year. I would call it a "Pre-Thanksgiving Power Potluck." The Parish Life Council will provide spiral hams and turkey and all the beverages. We are asking families to augment the main course by bringing side dishes and desserts. People whose last name begins with the letters A-M are asked to bring a side dish or salad to share. Those ending N-Z are asked to bring a dessert or rolls. Next Sunday in worship you will be asked to let us know if you can make the service and meal so we can know how many hams and turkeys to purchase. If you don't let us know if you are coming, a Session member will call to remind you.
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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, November the 11th is Veteran's Day.
The Youth Groups will host movie night where they'll be watching a war-related movie and discussing some of what they see.
With this in mind, we'd like to ask those of you who have served in the military to share with us a picture or two, of you, during your time in the service. Pictures can be placed in James Rada's mailbox at the church or emailed to ccpcyouth@verizon.net, or they can be given to Pastor Brassard or Kim Tavel. All pictures will be returned. Thank You!
We need your help!
A group of us are going to the Capital Area Food Bank in DC on Saturday, November 17th.
We will assist in the preparation of 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. Lori Kronser.
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Band Night at Old Bowie Town Grille
The Band formerly known as the CCPC Love Song Band, has a new name. (drum roll)
7 CAR PILE UP
will be performing at the Old Bowie Town Grille on Sunday, November 11th from 5PM-8PM. Come out and have a great meal while listening to great music!
Directions to the Grille and Menu
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 Christmas Gift Market
This year, give heartfelt gifts to your family and friends. Attend the CCPC Christmas Gift Market any time from 9:30AM-2PM on SUNDAY,NOV 11TH. Your purchased items will transform poverty into prosperity, hunger into plenty, and sickness into health.
Here's how it works:
1) Review the Christmas Gift Market order form on the CCPC website, or pick up a copy from the kiosk in the Narthex.
2) Select gifts from trusted organizations like Heifer International and the Medical Benevolence Foundation in honor of a friend or loved one. Choose an animal, support a midwife's training, or fund a supply kit for a school child-your choice will help a family somewhere in the world become healthy and self- reliant.
3) Attend the Gift Market on Sunday, November 11; gift orders and payment will be accepted from 9:30AM- 2PM. Stay for soup, chili and bread; proceeds go to the Bowie Interfaith Pantry and Prince George's Hospice.
Be sure to let your friends and neighbors know about our CCPC Christmas Gift Market--the event is open to everyone in the community! You will receive a beautiful handmade gift card to present to your recipient at Christmas, letting them know you have made a wonderful gift in their name. In these days of commercialized holidays and people already blessed with too many "things," it is the simple gifts that make a difference and are most appreciated.
For more information about the CCPC Christmas Gift Market, please contact Peggy Oates.
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News, Events and Happenings
Munchin Luncheon HAS BEEN CANCELLED for November 12th. We'll see you in December.
ART EXHIBIT
CCPC member, Nancy Sanford invites the congregation to a juried art exhibit in which she is exhibiting at the Montpelier Arts Center from November 2-29, open daily from 10AM-5PM. The opening reception for "Wild Things" is Friday, November 9th, 7-9PM. An Awards and Talk by juror, Jefferson Pinder, Professor of Art at the University of Maryland will be held on Saturday, November 17th from 2-4PM. DIRECTIONS: Route 197N toward Laurel, at Crystal Plaza Shopping Center, turn left on Muirkirk Rd. Art Center Drive is the first right. Nancy is responsible for the artwork in the church parlor. To see more of her work, visit her
website at http://www.artistrising.com/galleries/nancy_salome_s andford
Need a Handyman?
Brian Kesner has a new cell number (240) 688-8018.
Volunteer Opportunity
Paul Bolig is looking for volunteers for his "Panera Tuesday" ministry. On the fourth Tuesday of very month, Panera Bread gives us bread and bakery products. At 7:30AM the products are brought to the CCPC kitchen so they can be divided up and packaged. This task takes about 45 minutes to one hour. The packages are delivered to ARC group homes for disabled adults within the City of Bowie. The deliveries take about 90 minutes. If you are interested in helping to cut up and package the products and/or be the delivery person, please contact Paul Bolig.
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 Community Ministry of Prince Georges County **(a correction to the steps for registration)
- 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.
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Kids Night at CCPC
November 17th at 7PM on the new stage at Christian Community Presbyterian Church in Dodds Hall. We are very excited to use the new stage to showcase our best and brightest rising stars! Show your support to our youth! Free! Refreshments will be served. Donations accepted to benefit CCPC Christmas Families. For more info, contact Linda Miller, Susan or Melodie.
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Westminster Trombone Choir
The Westminster Trombone Choir will be performing at CCPC for the 8:30 and 11AM services on November 11, 2007.
Their director is Paul Ricci, father of Susan Ricci Rogel. The Westminster Trombone Choir began in the summer of 2002 as a quartet with two members new to the area from Michigan and two members from the University of Maryland and Towson University. Since then the group has grown to its current size of twelve members including music educators and local concert musicians.
The Choir has performed at a number of private and public functions including the Carroll County Arts Center, Carroll County "With One Voice" concert series, Carroll County Lutheran Village, St. Paul's United Church of Christ, and Christian Community Presbyterian Church, along with a whole host of private events in Carroll and Frederick counties. The repertoire for the choir includes liturgical music, modern holiday music, music by Gabrieli, Handel, Rachmaninoff and Bruckner, along with current renditions of Canadian Brass music.
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Community Café
Our scheduled visit is on Friday, November 9th. We'll serve a pizza lunch with salad, fruit and dessert to those less fortunate. We'll be leaving the church at 11:15AM. Thursday, November 8th, we'll be making sandwiches and bag lunches in the church kitchen at 3PM. Anyone wishing to help will be welcome. Thanks to everyone for the donation of socks. You really filled our needs for this month.
Thank you, Jackie Smith.
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Community Thanksgiving Service
CCPC is hosting the Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service on Wednesday night, November 21st starting at 7:00PM. Come and celebrate all that we are thankful for in our great nation. We expect a full house with several participating congregations. A choir practice for participating church choirs will start at 6:15PM. The keynote preacher is outstanding. A biography will appear next week. The Parish Life Council (Allen Frank, Chair) is requesting help with refreshments that will be served in Dodds Hall following the service. They would like cookies, brownies and other easy to service desserts. We would also like some cheese plates, sliced apples or other seasonal fruit. Please drop them off before the service.
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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 November!
· Worship Services: Sunday (8:30 and 11AM)
*** ***
· 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) *******************************************
Thursday, November 8
--Lady Tigers 10AM (Parlor)
--Community Cafe 3PM (Bag lunches at CCPC)
--Yoga 7PM (Sanctuary)
--Clinquant Rehearsal-Handbell Choir 7PM
Friday, November 9
--Community Cafe 11:15AM (Meet at CCPC)
Saturday, November 10
--Boy Scouts of America Scouting For Food Drive 8AM-2PM
(Dodds Hall) Proceeds to benefit the Bowie Food Pantry
Sunday, November 11
32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time; Stewardship Commitment
--Worship and Communion (8:30 and 11AM)
--Adult Ed and Sunday School (9:45AM)
--Westminister Trombone Choir Performance 8:30 and 11AM
--Christmas Gift Market 9:30AM-2PM (Dodds Hall)
--Youth Groups Movie Night 5PM
--Band Night-Old Bowie Town Grille 5-8PM
--Chesapeake Chorale Board Meeting 6-8PM
--Discovery Circle 6:30PM (Parlor)
Monday, November 12
--Veteran's Day Observed
--Memorial Service for Allan Bell 11AM (Sanctuary) Potluck Reception immediately following in Dodds Hall
--Sea Scout Ship 1009, BSA 7PM (CE Bldg, Rm 6)
--Session Meets 7:30PM (CR)
Tuesday, November 13
--Health and Healing-New Time: 9:30AM-12PM (Parlor)
--Faith Circle (Members' homes) Contact Jean Bauer at 301-262-5534
--Evening Adult Ed - 7PM
------Financial Peace (FPU)
------Alpha Series
--Yoga 7PM (Sanctuary)
--Bowie Pantry Advisory Board Meeting 7:30PM (CR)
--Stephen Ministry 7PM (offsite)
--Chesapeake Chorale Rehearsal 7:45PM (Dodds Hall)
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Library News
Next Library Committee Meeting: Nov. 15th
Children's Library Sunday: Nov. 18th
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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Rieki Night at CCPC
What is Reiki?
Reiki, is a form of Natural Healing in which the Reiki practitioner places his/her hands in a systematic way on your head, chest, abdomen, arms, legs, feet and back. Reiki energy is life giving energy that comes from the universe, our creator God, and can totally relax our bodies so that healing can occur or begin at various levels in the body and in the energy field that surrounds us. The practitioner must be certified through classes with a certified Reiki Master Practitioner. You may be asked to lie on a table (like a massage table), but in energy healing you are fully clothed and can close your eyes and relax through beautiful music and dim candle light. If unable to lay on your abdomen or back, Reiki can be given while sitting in a chair or while laying on your side. Jan Bridger, Linda Miller and Sherrie Ruhl bring their tables to CCPC Sanctuary every third Monday evening at 7PM for half hour sessions. Reservations are helpful so we will know how many tables to set up, but walk-ins are always welcome at 7PM.
Next Reiki Energy Class: Monday, November 19, 2007.
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.
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Notes from the Office
The Caller Schedule & Article Deadlines
November 12, 2007
(articles are due no later than [1p.m.] Thurs, Nov 8)
November 19, 2007-NO CALLER - Thanksgiving week.
November 26, 2007-NO CALLER
December 3, 2007
(articles are due no later than [1p.m.] Thurs, Nov 29) Please contact the office to schedule events.
December 10, 2007
(articles are due no later than [1p.m.] Thurs, Dec 6)
December 17, 2007
(articles are due no later than [1p.m.] Thurs, Dec 13)
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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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