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The Pastor's Corner 
I was doing some reading for my Thanksgiving sermon when I came across one of my favorite lines from Psalm 139, "For it is you, O Lord, who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb." I love that affirmation that God made us the way we are and that we are distinctive and unique creations. It echoes the story of Creation in the first chapter of Genesis. God looks at everything God has made and declares that it is very good. If we take that seriously, it means that you and I and everybody we know were made good-indeed very good.
My son Oliver was down this past Saturday for a very brief visit with four of his college friends. Oliver was very fortunate to have found a group of six classmates in his first year of college. They remain very close. I enjoyed hanging out with them at a college football game on Saturday afternoon. Near the end of the game, a Colgate running back was tackled in a violent helmet to helmet hit. He dropped like a rag doll and lay motionless for about 20 minutes. The stadium got very silent as the medical crew attended to him. After he was put on a stretcher and carted off the field the crowd cheered and the young man raised his hand with a thumbs up acknowledgement. The whole crowd breathed a sigh of relief. They called the game and players on both sides embraced as they walked off the field.
While we were talking on the drive home from the game, Oliver told me that a new sign has been placed on both the east and west bound lanes of the Tappan Zee Bridge north of New York City. It reads, "Life is a precious gift: 24 hour hotline ahead." Apparently those signs were needed because too many people were going to the center of the bridge-the highest spot-and ending their lives by jumping off. Apparently many people don't feel they are precious and represent the best of God's creation.
I was excited when Peggy Oates told me the initial receipts from the Christmas Gift Market were over $10,500. All of this goes to Mission projects. Every group that had a table did very well. We saw new families from the community and the church catch the spirit of giving. This week marks the kickoff to our next living lesson in generosity: Christmas Families. Life is indeed precious. Our actions and deeds help affirm life. Keep it up, Saints!
James Brassard
Worship Notes for Sunday, November 18th
We have over 200 RSVP's for the Consecration Sunday Luncheon that will follow the 11 AM worship service. Each worship service will conclude with the dedication of our "estimate of giving cards" for 2008. The sermon is titled "Giving and Growing" and is based on Matthew 6:19-24 "where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Sunday, November 18th:
- 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
- 8:30 and 11 AM Worship Services
- (9:45 AM) Adult Education Hour and Sunday School
(last class) The Uncensored Bible (last class) What Paul Meant
- Choirs
- Children's Library Sunday
- Christmas Families Kick-off
- Stewardship Committee Potluck Luncheon 12:15 PM (Dodds Hall)
- Youth Groups: 5 PM Jr High; 6:30 PM Sr. High
- Prayer Study 7 PM (Parlor)
Sunday, November 25th:
- 34th Sunday in Ordinary Time
- ONE WORSHIP SERVICE AT 11 AM
- Choirs
- NO Adult Education Hour or Sunday School
- Coffee Hour at 10:30 AM
- NO Youth Groups
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CCPC Job Opportunities 
HELP WANTED - November 30th- Deadline for Applications
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, via e-mail at BobMcPilot@verizon.net or 301-464-2681. 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 
On Sunday, 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 11 AM service we will have our Celebration of Giving Luncheon.
For our "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.
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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 18th:
Youth Groups will return to their regular time - Junior High at 5 PM; Senior High at 6:30 PM. If you're planning to join us, please bring a picture of yourself! Preferably a small one (2X2). We are going to write letters to the Young Lady that we're sponsoring in Kenya! And it REALLY would be GREAT if we could include some photos of YOU!
Yes, it's that time of year once again - and it's perfect timing too - just as folks are thinking of what to get their special someone for Christmas, we've got gift ideas that help out the CCPC cause!
First up, we've got Gift Cards!
It's a simple, and practical, way to do your Christmas Shopping and help CCPC at the same time! It boils down to this - lots of stores sell gift cards of varying amounts. You go in, get the card, put the amount on them, and then pass them along to someone as a gift.
BUT, if you do it through CCPC, then CCPC gets a percentage of proceeds!
Please see the article titled "CCPC Youth-Work Camp Fundraiser-Scrip Advantage," for more information. Order forms may be picked up at CCPC. A pdf of the form will be available on the website shortly. PLEASE NOTE: WE ARE GOING TO NEED SOME OF FOLKS TO HELP US HAND OUT THE FORMS AND STAFF THE TABLE FOR THE NEXT FEW WEEKS!
This year, we've got a special offer to toss out to folks looking for Christmas Gift Ideas - CCPC SWEATSHIRTS! That's right -SWEATSHIRTS! Everyone loved the tie-dye t-shirts, but now that it's getting cold, we need a warmer, long-sleeved way to show the CCPC colors in the community. So, how about a sweatshirt?
While the design is fixed, you do have a choice of colors for the sweatshirt - you can do GOLD, or WHITE. SWEATSHIRTS ARE $20 EACH. In order for us to have them by Christmas, I WILL NEED TO GET YOUR ORDER NO LATER THAN NOVEMBER 28TH! You can email me at ccpcyouth@verizon.net with your order (SIZES, COLORS, ETC.,) or you can catch me on Sunday morning. I'll place an order sheet in the Narthex! Thanks again! James Rada.
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Children's Christmas Pageant 
We are looking for volunteers to help choreograph the children's Christmas pageant. Particularly the "Hallelujah Hoedown" which is a group country western type dance. You may also perform with the kids in the program. You will need to come to Family Night on December 7th at 6:30 PM. We are going to have a "dance party" and teach the dance to the kids - there will also be pizza and food and your parents are invited to come too. You will also need to be at the dress rehearsal (Saturday, December 15th at 9:30 AM) and be at the performance on Sunday, December 16th at 11 AM. This is going to be a ton of fun working with the kids - they are excited to do this. If you are interested, I will be at youth group on Sunday night, December 2nd to work on the choreography. If you - or your parents - have any questions you can contact me. I hope to see you there!
Thanks, Marilee Neff
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Christmas Gift Market 
LAST CHANCE!
To order from the Christmas Gift Market Catalog on Sunday 11/18/07.
Please see Peggy Oates in the narthex between services, OR you may place your order form & check made payable to CCPC in the PWOC box in the church office.
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News, Events and Happenings 
Sharon Youngdahl offers a special thank you to Becca Jonas, Brooke Armstrong, Sarah Rogel, Heather Sell, Caitlin Sell and Sofie Evankovich for acting in last Sunday's drama, "What Can I Do For You." Also, special thanks to Astrid Jonas and Debbie Armstrong for joining her as the self absorbed group of friends, while turning their backs on those in need, were each so desperately in need of God's forgiveness.
ART EXHIBIT
CCPC member, Nancy Sanford invites the congregation to a juried art exhibit in which she is exhibiting at the Montpelier Arts Center through November 29th, open daily from 10 AM-5 PM. 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_sandford
Need a Handyman?
Brian Kesner has a new cell number (240) 688-8018.
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New Adult Ed Class 
The Heart of Christianity
begins December 2, 2007. Sunday Mornings at 9:45 AM from 12/2-12/23 in the Conference Room: Led by James and Andrea Brassard.
A book for this course is available for $10.00. Reserve copies by phone (301-262-6008) or email James at ccpcpastor@verizon.net.
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Session Highlights 
November 12, 2007
Rev. Brassard introduced to the Session Rachel Oben and Wendy Eady. They and Christian DeSeve, who could not make the meeting, will be joining with CCPC. Session approved formal charters for church committees and the Board of Deacons. Rev. Brassard advised that he and two Session members would be visiting Stanley Ott, head of the Vital Churches Institute and a renowned consultant in assisting churches in looking to the future, as part of our commitment to developing a long term plan. Session approved the purchase of a reconditioned dishwasher for the kitchen. Session moved twelve inactive members to the Inactive Roll. Session received and discussed a report from the Worship Councilproposing alternatives to our worship schedule. Session will discuss the report with the Board of Deacons at our joint meeting in early December and will engage the congregation in exchange of ideas in this vital part of our church life.
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Community Cafe-Update 
The cold rainy weather brought an influx of visitors to the cafe on Friday, Nov. 9th. Barbara Stone, Dave and Nancy Honeyford, Bob and Jackie Smith served a pizza lunch to over 70 people. 60 of these received a bag lunch, socks and personal care packets to take home with them. We will need to collect more socks and Jane Sumner needs to refurbish her supplies for our trip to the Cafe in January, so keep us in mind for donations.
The lunch crew came to the church kitchen on Thursday, Nov. 8th to make sandwiches and assemble cookies, snacks and candy and packed up the bags. Participants were Mary Hazel, Sylvia Dunlap, Bobbie Arden, Sharon McNamara, Barbara Stone, Nancy Honeyford, Bob and Jackie Smith. We want to thank Marge Clark for her donation of Halloween candy which was eagerly enjoyed by Cafe visitors.
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Community Thanksgiving Service at CCPC 
CCPC is hosting the Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service on Wednesday night, November 21st starting at 7 PM. 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 6:15 PM. The keynote speaker is Rev. Clark Lobenstine, Executive Director of the Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington. Clark is also a Presbyterian minister. 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. Come and celebrate all that we are thankful for in our great nation.
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CCPC Youth Work Camp Fundraiser 
Scrip is back!
You ask, what is it? Basically, these are gift cards that you can purchase to use at local area merchants - the places you normally shop or dine. It operates just like the ongoing Giant Food Card program that the Youth sponsor monthly - only this is for other merchandise, and the companies give us a percentage of the card sales to keep as a fundraiser.
While you can certainly buy the cards to use for yourself - think of it as paying in advance for your next dinner out or next trip to the department store, these cards also make great gifts. With Christmas coming up, you might think about giving some gift cards. They also make good gifts for the neighbor who rakes your leaves, shovels your sidewalk, brings in your mail when you are away, etc.
Maybe you don't see the specific company you would like to purchase a gift card from, or perhaps you would like a card in a different denomination? Well, the "scrip" website includes additional vendors and card amounts not on our preprinted attached order listing. Please feel free to check out their website at www.glscrip - and you can than add any additional card orders at the bottom of the form.
Timeline - because Christmas is rapidly approaching, and in order to allow for the processing of the cards by the "Scrip" company, we will take orders from now through Sunday, December 2. This will allow us to distribute the cards on Sunday, December 16. You can bring completed order forms to church on Sunday, November 18, November 25, or December 2 - Youth will be in Dodds Hall to collect them. Alternatively, you can drop off completed forms to the church office (please put them in my mail slot - which is in the middle section above the mail boxes.)
If you have questions, please call Diane Dudley, Debbie Armstrong, or James Rada.
Thank you for your continued support of the CCPC Youth!
Scrip Order Form
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Tiniest Tots Sunday School  (2 Year Olds)
Sundays 9:45 - 10:45 AM
Next to the Nursery in the Main Building
New class for 2007/2008
Curriculum features hands-on learning with interactive stories, arts, crafts, music and a healthy morning snack. For more information please contact Tamara Kayet.
*****
Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. (The words of Jesus, Mark 10:14)
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This Week at CCPC 
Happy Thanksgiving!
- Worship Services (8:30 and 11 AM)
*** ***
- 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) ********************************************
Monday, November 19
NO CALLER
--CCPC Nursery School and BTNC Thanksgiving Feast 11 AM (DH)
--Reiki Energy Night 7 PM (Sanctuary)
--Sea Scout Ship 1009, BSA 7-9 PM (CE Bldg, Room 6)
--Hope Circle 7:30 PM at Mary Keller's home (12904 Cherrywood Ln, Bowie)
--Tiger Lilies 7:30 PM (Parlor)
Tuesday, November 20
--Health and Healing 9:30 AM-12 PM (Parlor)
--CCPC Nursery School and BTNC Thanksgiving Feast 11 AM (DH)
--Evening Adult Ed (7 PM)
---- Financial Peace (FPU) AE Room
---- Alpha Series-Sr. High Room(last class) --Yoga 7PM (Sanctuary)
--Chesapeake Chorale Rehearsal 7:45 PM (DH)
Wednesday, November 21
--Paper Tigers 8 AM (Jr. High Room)
--*Interfaith Worship Service 7 PM (Sanctuary) Reception following the service in Dodds Hall
*6:15 PM - Choir practice for participating church choirs
NO REHEARSALS! CCPC CHOIRS OR WORSHIP TIEAM
--Mixed Bag Sewing Guild 7 PM (Conference Room w/Elsie Bell)
Thursday, November 22 - THANKSGIVING DAY. CCPC CLOSED
Friday and Saturday, November 23-24 CCPC closed
Sunday, November 25
34th Sunday in Ordinary Time
--WORSHIP AT 11 AM ONLY
--NO Adult Ed or Sunday School
--Coffee Hour at 10:30 AM
--NO Youth Groups
Monday, November 26
NO CALLER
--Outreach and Evangelism 7 PM (Conference Room)
--Grace and Glory Circle 7 PM (Members' homes)
Contact Deborah Hoppe at 301-805-1337
--Sea Scout Ship 1009, BSA 7-9 PM (CE Bldg, Rm 6)
Tuesday, November 27
--Health and Healing 9:30 AM-12 PM (Parlor)
--Evening Adult Ed (7 PM)
------Financial Peace (FPU) AE Room
--Yoga 7PM (Sanctuary)
--Mission Committee Meeting 7 PM (Parlor)
--Stephen Ministry 7PM (offsite)
--Chesapeake Chorale Rehearsal 7:45 PM (DH)
Wednesday, November 28
--Paper Tigers 8 AM (Jr. High Room)
--Bus Trip The Miracle of Christmas Sight & Sound Theater in Lancaster, PA
--Choirs & Worship Team Rehearsals (Starts at 6:30 PM)
--Quilters 7 PM (DH)
Thursday, November 29
--Lady Tigers 10 AM (Parlor)
--Clinquant (Hand bell choir) Rehearsal 7
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Library News 
Children's Library Sunday: Nov. 18th
Next Library Committee Meeting: TBD
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 
The next Reiki Energy Class: Monday, November 19, 2007 at 7 PM.
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. Jan Bridger, Linda Miller and Sherrie Ruhl bring their tables to CCPC Sanctuary every third Monday evening at 7 PM for half hour sessions. Reservations are helpful so we will know how many tables to set up, but walk-ins are always welcome.
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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Christmas Families 2007 
Soon most of us will gather together with our families and friends to give thanks for another year of blessings and challenges. Sunday, Nov. 18, will mark the beginning of another special season at CCPC-- the Christmas family season. Last year CCPC provided 48 families and 133 children with food, clothing, and toys to brighten their holidays.
This year we hope again to share our love in Christ by reaching out to the members of our community who need it most. You can help by signing up on Nov. 18 to provide a toy or clothing for a child and by volunteering to help in one of the activities identified on the volunteer poster.
Dates to remember:
- Nov. 18: Sign up for Christmas families child
- Dec. 15: Food sorting: 9-11 AM in Dodds Hall
- Dec. 16: Gift sorting and wrapping in Dodds Hall
- Dec. 17: Distribution and delivery of food and gifts (AM 9-12) (PM 6-9)
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The Miracle of Christmas Bus Trip 
At the Sight & Sound Theatre in Strasburg, PA on November 28, 2007.
Our Itinerary is as Follows:
- 8:15 AM-Bus departs CCPC. Please be at the church by 8:00 AM and park in the area on the side of Dodds Hall
- 10:15 AM-Arrive Strasburg, PA at Hershey Farm Restaurant
- 10:30 AM-Traditional family style lunch
- 12:00 PM-Depart Restaurant
- 12:15 PM-Arrive at Sight & Sound
- 1:00 PM-Showtime
- 3:45 PM-Depart Strasburg
- 5:45 PM-Arrive at CCPC
Beverages and snacks will be available on the bus.
Correction in ticket price. Due to an error on my part caused by a change in the cost per person made by Gunther Tours between the initial estimate and the final amount in our contract, the total cost per person should have been $83 rather than $75. I failed to increase the amount I requested per person when the amount was changed. Therefore, I need to request an additional payment of $8 per person. This can be given to me on the day of our trip. I apologize for this mistake and hope that the additional amount won't be a hardship on anyone. For questions, call Marge Clark.
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Lady Tigers 
The Lady Tigers will meet on Thursday, Nov 29th as Thanksgiving falls on the 4th Thursday.
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Caller Deadlines 
The Caller Schedule & Article Deadlines
November 19, 2007-NO CALLER - Thanksgiving week.
November 26, 2007-NO CALLER
December 3, 2007
(articles are due no later than [1 PM] Thurs, Nov 29) Please contact the office to schedule events.
December 10, 2007
(articles are due no later than [1 PM] Thurs, Dec 6)
December 17, 2007
(articles are due no later than [1 PM] Thurs, Dec 13)
NOTE: December 17, 2007-LAST CALLER UNTIL JAN 7, 2008
(articles are due no later than [1 PM] Thurs, Jan 3, 2008)
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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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