The Session has been evaluating our staff needs for the past year.  In the November 5th  Caller, Personnel Council chair Bob McCamish wrote brief position descriptions for two part time staff people at CCPC.  I wanted to share with you the rationale behind our staffing plan.  I am exciting about where we are going and want to solicit your support and prayers as we move forward.

     When I arrived here three and one half years ago we had a full time youth director and a pastoral assistant who was scheduled to work 32 hours a week.  We all know that Dee was working more like 50 hours a week doing pastoral care, organizing the work of the Deacons, and overseeing outreach and membership assimilation.  After Dee's retirement in May 2006, the Session started evaluating what to do to replace the irreplaceable ministry provided by Dee over the years.   Anita Pesses and Margaret Hallau received training in Stephen Ministry and that has provided invaluable ministry to several families.  We tried various efforts to maintain the effectiveness of the Deacons-not as successfully as we would have liked.  With the help of the Deacons I picked up the bulk of emergency and hospital visitation.  In my original call there was a strong desire expressed that we return the pastor to "pastoral care."

     This past July the Session hired James Rada to serve as part time Coordinator of Youth Ministry.  James has done a great job and the model we designed has proved to be an effective one.  James' call was to oversee the establishment of regular youth fellowship events, to increase the volunteer base, and to communicate effectively with youth and their families.  But there was a more important difference. His hire signaled a shift in our approach to staffing.   We left behind a model of full time staff being hired "to do ministry" and inserted a model where the staff "coordinates the ministry of the congregation. "   James was not giving a 16 pages list of duties.  He was given a call to coordinate people and mentor youth.

      We have a strong tradition of volunteer service at CCPC.  At CCPC Session members don't just set policy, they administrate program and solicit the congregations help in doing ministry.  Under the direction of Clerk Jim Woods, each Council has produced a Mission Strategy and Annual Activity plan so that our goals and objective are clearly outlined and responsibilities defined. We believe this will help us stay focused on our mission and goals. James is doing a great job with the Youth.  His has strong skills in program development (he is just wacky enough for Youth to like to be around and well organized so parents know what to expect).  His great skill in communication (his expertise at Howard) and his effective utilization of volunteers has made CCPC a place where youth want to come. We knew that James would need some staff help. In designing the Coordinator of Ministry to Children and their families we included "support the Youth Coordinator with program and presence."  We would prefer a female leader with experience working with youth. In designing the Coordinator of Ministry to Children and their families we included youth. 

     We also need to transform our ministry to Sunday School aged children and their families. We prefer someone with children of Sunday school age who is comfortable being in front of people. We currently have a very small Sunday school attendance and under the direction of Laurel Cox are in the process of transforming the whole approach to Children's Ministry.  Once again, we are emphasizing the ability to work with strong volunteer leaders and to incorporate parents in ministry and fellowship.

      Filling out the team of part time specialists is what we are calling Pastoral Assistant for Outreach and Care.  What has dropped off the most dramatically since Dee's retirement is the vital follow up and assimilation of new people into the full life and ministry at CCPC.  Dee did this for years.  She visited people.  She connected them to groups and service opportunities, and she made sure they felt the love and care of this church.  We also want someone who can establish new groups and programs for new people. We think the new staffing model will meet the needs of an emerging future at CCPC.  I will let you know who the Session selects to fill these positions.  Continue to hold us in prayer. 

James Brassard

Worship Notes  Sunday December 9th: Second Sunday of

Advent During Advent we hear about John the Baptist.  John has a unique role in the gospels as the one who helps prepare the way for Jesus.  Some have called John the "fire and brimstone" version of Jesus.  Whereas Jesus is encouraging and uplifting, John is barking "No, no, Bad Dog" at us telling us to repent and get our act together or else.  I think John gets bad press and his message short changed.  The next two weeks we will look into the important things he has to say.  

Joint Meeting-Session and Deacons  

REMINDER- A joint meeting of the CCPC Session and Deacons will be held on Monday, December 10, 2007 at 7:30 PM in the Sanctuary.

Christmas Eve Worship Services 

Tuesday evening, December 24th  

6:30 PM - Family Carol Service with Children's Message  

8:30 PM - Candlelight Communion Service

Poinsettia Orders For Christmas

Poinsettias are reserved at Behnke's!

 December 16th is the deadline date for orders.

(Order forms are available at the church office)

7" pots are $12.00 or you may purchase an 8" pot for $23.00.

Christmas Families 2007 Update

CCPC is providing gifts for 124 children and food for 42 families this ear.  There are a few children who have not yet been provided for.  Thank you for volunteering to help in so many ways.

SCHEDULE: 

Friday, December 14  Groceries should be at the church by this date.  They may be placed in the Adult Education conference room near Dodds Hall.

FOOD SORTING:

Saturday, December 15, at 9:00 a.m. Dodds Hall

If you plan to help with food sorting, please bring a pen or pencil to check off the list, and a Sharpie marker, if you have one, to label the bags.

GIFT SORTING: 

Sunday, December 16, after the second service in Dodds Hall

Gifts should be brought to the church no later than noon Sunday, Dec. 16.  Gifts should be unwrapped and marked with your name and the name and family number of the child.  A gift bag or box would be helpful.  Please drop your gifts in the church office.

GIFT WRAPPING:

Sunday, December 16, at 3:00 p.m. in Dodds Hall

We will be wrapping about 360 gifts.  Please bring scissors, tape, and a pen to address the tags.

Children and Youth 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 11:00 AM. This is going to be a ton of fun working with the kids - they are excited to do this.  If you are interested, or if you - or your parents - have any questions you can contact me.  I hope to see you there! 

Thanks, Marilee Neff.

Church Corner  

I want to thank the many persons (too numerous to enumerate) for the great help at Christmas Gift Market, Kids Talent Show, Consecration Dinner, Interdenominational Thanksgiving Service, and Deck the Halls.  Your kind efforts are appreciated beyond words.  

Allen Frank, Parish Life Committee Chair

Lady Tigers - 

The Lady Tigers have decided to cancel all December meetings.  The group will resume on Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 10 AM with the first chapter of The Creation by E.O. Wilson.  If you are free on Thursday mornings, consider joining us for lively discussions.  

Thank you, Bea Uehling. 

Building And Grounds Committee -

Will meet Thursday night, December 6th at 7:30 PM in the Conference Room.

Hope Circle -

Will meet Monday, December 10th at the home of Trudy Neff at 10 AM. 

Munchin Luncheon -  

Monday, December 10, 2007. A hearty meatloaf will be served at 12 noon in Dodds Hall.  Dick will be sharing some pictures of butterfly tagging at 11:30 AM.  Please join us for food and fellowship.

Kim Tavel.

Youth News 

For information regarding Youth activities and participation, please contact James Rada or Astrid Jonas.

SUNDAY the 9th:

Both Youth Groups will meet at 5. We'll be shopping for our Christmas Families. Basically, we break up into 2 groups - one will do the food shopping, the other will shop for clothes, toys, etc.

We ask that every youth bring $10 with them to cover the cost of clothes and toys that we will be buying (Mission Committee will be giving us $$ for the purchase of food).  Once the shopping's done, we'll gather for a bite to eat.

Parents: We could use some chaperones/chauffeurs! Reminder! I'll be out of town from the 7th through the 10th. 

James Rada

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15TH

Join us at the Capital Area Food Bank in DC. 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. Drivers needed. Contact Lori Kronser.

Sunday the 16th -

It's Pageant Time!  

There's only one service that day - at 11 AM.  

That evening we'll all meet up at 5 PM to go ChristmasCaroling!  

After we're done screeching, I mean caroling, we'll gather at Ann Evankovich's house for a Christmas Party and gift exchange. We ask that each youth bring a gift (value no more than $10) for the Christmas Gift Exchange. And, yes, if you'd like to make it a White Elephant gift, that's ok too!  

Sunday the 23rd:

One service at 11 AM. And, please note, there will be

NO EVENING YOUTH GROUP ON SUNDAY THE 23RD OR SUNDAY THE 30TH!  

Friday December 28th:

We're going LASER TAGGING! at 4 PM, Laurel area. We need RSVP's from those who want to attend. We've reserved space for 30. The cost will be $13/person with 30 people.  

News and Happenings   

Happy Birthday!  To all those celebrating birthday's during the month of December.  

Alert! Alert! 

Pastor Brassard will be serving on Grand Jury for next 4 months.   Starting Dec 4th and going through the month of March, I will be serving on the Grand Jury in Prince Georges County.  The Grand Jury meets every Tuesday (except Christmas and New Years) from 9 AM till about 4 PM.  If you need me during this time you can reach me on my cell phone 240-620-3943.  If I am in session I will call you back during the break or lunchtime.  Pray for me and my fellow Grand Jurors.   

DODDS CLOSING - CCPC and Dodds Hall will be CLOSED ALL DAY December 8th for carpet maintenance and cleaning. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.

News and notes from the Presbytery Meeting. 

Former Interim pastor Heather Bobbitt has been serving as Interim Associate  of St. John's Church of Christ in Catonsville since May 1st.  Karen Doty, product of this church will retire from pastorate in February. Karen has been serving the last few years with a Presbyterian Taiwanese congregation.

St. Christopher's Episcopal Church presents a FREE Advent Concert of selections from Handel's Messiah, with orchestra, soloists and Chorus. Saturday, December 8, at 4:00 PM. St. Christopher's Episcopal Church. 8001 Annapolis Road in New Carrollton, MD 20784. 301-577-1281 telephone.

Jesse Parker, Artistic Director and Susan Ricci Rogel, Accompanist presents: Chesapeake Christmas -

Saturday, December 8, 2007. 8 PM at St. Matthew's United Methodist Church. 14900 Annapolis Road in Bowie, Maryland.  Adults $15.00  -  Seniors & Students $12.00.

Also, a Family Holiday Concert -

Saturday, December 9, 2008. 3 PM at the Ark and Dove Presbyterian Church.  8424 Piney Orchard Parkway in Odenton, Maryland. Adults $12.00  -  Seniors & Students $10.00. Concert Info (301) 249-7689  www.chesapeakechorale.org  

Ricci Rogel Music Studio Recital - Student vocal and piano recital, December 15, 2007 at 3PM. Free! Open to CCPC and the general public.

Snow Lottery

Please sign up in the Narthex to win a chance (you pick the date) for a day in the snow.  All tools will be supplied.

Christmas Gift Market - Update   

The results are in: 

Heifer International = $4060  - -

Medical Benevolence Foundation = $3362      - -

Church World Services = $1609  - -

Operation Christmas Child = $728 - -

Compassion International = $396  - -

Interfaith Bowie Pantry = $280  - -

PG Hospice = $105  - -

Presbyterian Disaster = $320

"Gift" CD's = $20 - - - - - - -

FOR A GRAND TOTAL OF $10,880.

31 pairs of eyeglasses were collected and given to Bowie's Lions Club - There are two wonderful local connections - The Global Need for Eyeglasses and The Goal of Lions International Eyeglass Recycling Program - we hope to collect more eyeglasses - especially Children's Eyeglasses.

Thanks to Adult Ed - Mission, -  New Hope, Faith, Discovery, Charity, Grace & Glory and Joy Circles - soup & chili makers - card stampers - advertisers - What a good time we had and to have touched so many lives.  One of our visitors asked "How much of the money collected goes to your church?" and we  responded "None." What joy there is in giving.

  Peggy Oates

Bowie Interfaith Pantry   

The Pantry is in need of the following:

juice (64 oz) & juice boxes,

canned fruit and canned beef stew.  

We are open for Distribution and Service from 9AM-11AM on Mon, Wed and Friday. We are closed on holidays.  

Donations are accepted at: Christian Community Presbyterian Church - 3120 Belair Drive, Bowie MD 20715.  Visit our website: Bowie Interfaith Pantry E-mail us: Bowiefoodpantry@gmail.com Phone: 301-262-6765

Thanks for your continued support!

Choir Schedule  

NO REHEARSALS for vocal choirs or Clinquant on Dec. 26 or 27

Caller Schedule & Article Deadlines:

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)

December 17, 2007-LAST CALLER UNTIL JAN 7

(articles are due no later than [1p.m.] Thurs, Jan 3, 2008)

January 14, 2008

(articles are due no later than [1p.m.] Thurs, Jan 10, 2008)

January 21, 2008-NO CALLER-MLK Observance

January 28, 2008