Parish Life
Fellowship
Christian fellowship is an important part of church life. In addition to the variety of church organizations listed below, we enjoy numerous special events including Lenten Dinners, Parish Life Fellowship/theatre/drama/dinners and picnics. We have retreats and Sunday school for all ages as well as Adult Education classes. We invite you to learn more and become active in the life of CCPC.
Circles: There are seven, each with a unique constituency and tradition for all ages and on different days, evenings and times.
Men's and Women's Support Groups: There are get togethers for men and for women to teach and encourage one another, swap stories and share insights on the problems of the world.
Single Adult Fellowship
The CCPC family supports this special group with fellowship opportunities ranging from casual gatherings in member’s homes for “game night,” to organized outings such as bowling, movies, dinner/dancing, biking, pool parties, theatre, etc. Regular fellowship is usually scheduled for the fourth Saturday of the month from 7:00-10:00. For more information contact Roxanne Johnson at 301-262-7434 (roglojo@comcast.net)
Divorce Support &Recovery Group
CCPC ministers to divorced men and women by providing an accepting environment for sharing and growth. This group welcomes every one from those recently separated to those who have been divorced for many years. We believe everyone who is currently going or has gone through a divorce has gifts to share from their experience. We believe we can all grow through the experience of divorce.
Meetings include free discussion and structured study. They are held twice monthly, both at church and at members’ homes. The meeting times are designed to accommodate varying needs and schedules: Second Saturday from 9:00 am-10:30 am and Fourth Tuesday from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm.
For more information contact Roxanne Johnson at 301-262-7434 (roglojo@comcast.net)
Book Groups
CCPC has three study groups that take turns leading discussion of books chosen by the members of the group.
Paper Tigers meet on Wednesdays at 8:00 a.m. Men who are interested in joining this group should contact Jim Woods.
Lady Tigers meet on the second and fourth Thursdays at 10:00 am in the Parlor and are led by Anne Shelby and Bea Uehling.
Tiger Lilies meet on the first and third Mondays at 7:30 pm in the Parlor and are led by Andrea Brassard.
Paper Tigers Men's Study Group:
The Paper Tigers is a men’s group of CCPC members and friends that meets weekly from 8:00 to 10:00 on Wednesday mornings in the Junior High classroom to enjoy a light breakfast and some social time and to spend about 90 minutes discussing a book chosen by the group. We typically read a chapter a week. Group leadership is shared. On a rotating basis, one of us brings the breakfast (juice, fruit, pastries) and leads discussion for the week.
The books we choose usually cost about $12. Books we have taken on include: “How the Irish Saved Civilization” by Thomas Cahill, “Belief in God In an Age of Science” by John Polkinghorne, “The God We Never Knew” by Marcus Borg, “The Gnostic Gospels” by Elaine Pagels, “ The Protestant Reformation” by Lewis Spitz, “Battle for God” by Karen Armstrong, “God and the New Physics” by Paul Davies and “Augustine” (a series of 12 videotape lectures). Once we complete a book, we treat ourselves to a hot breakfast the next week and choose our next book from an ever growing book list. Our discussions are open and stimulating. We have grown to 20 members and are always open to new members. We will be completing study of our current book, “Jerusalem, One City, Three Faiths” by Karen Armstrong, on 23 March. Our social breakfast will be on 30 March. We will begin our new book, “The Heart of Christianity” by Marcus Borg, on 6 April. We encourage men of the church to join us for the breakfast and the start of our next book, but you are welcome to attend any time.
Jerusalem: One City, Three Faiths.. Karen Armstrong. Ballantine Books. New York. 1997.
Karen Armstrong, the former nun who has written more than a dozen books on the world's great religions, has delivered perhaps her most ambitious work in this sweeping saga of a city which Jews, Christians, and Muslems call "Holy." The struggle of each of these three faiths to possess the city and its sacred sites is the story that unfolds in this rich historical treatment.
Jewish and Christian claims to Jerusalem are well known from the Bible. Moslems honor the Holy City because their own tradition is rooted in Judeo-Christian history and because Mohammed is believed to have made a journey to Jerusalem. Moslems call Jerusalem their third most holy city-after Mecca and Medina. The Jews faced opposition through the years, first from Byzantine Christians, and, beginning in the seventh century, from this new religion of Islam.
Jerusalem was governed at various times by Pagans, Jews, Christians, and Moslems, and each faith followed its own narrow agenda. There were definitely no Platonic "philosopher kings" among the leaders of the city, but Armstrong asserts that Moslem rulers came off looking best and Christian rulers were a distinct disappointment. Western Christian violence and cruelty during the crusades of the late middle ages was followed by intolerant Christian rule over the city. The memory of this bloody period keeps open a raw wound that has by no means healed even into the twenty-first century.
Karen Armstrong's account of a city claimed by three great and historically connected religions draws upon the work of other historians for the broad outline of the story, but she fills and enriches it with primary sources such as the diaries and journals of pilgrims and casual travelers and observers. Her evident knowledge of Hebrew, Arabic, and Greek adds to the authenticity of her analysis although her use of names and terms from those languages make the book more difficult for non-specialists. A simple glossary of foreign terms would have made the book much more reader friendly.
Nevertheless Jerusalem is an instructive book. It shows in well documented detail the wide gap which exists between the higher aspirations of religion and the behavior of believers. One is struck and dismayed that this tiny city, touched by King David, Jesus, Mary, and Mohammed, this shrine of sacred places, this cradle of three major faiths has been, and still is, the scene of constant discord and bloodshed. It is an irony too profound for words, too sad for tears.
Jack Jones, April 2005
If you have any questions about the Paper Tigers, call Jim Woods (410-721-7807) or Chuck Tanner (301-464-2667).
"Season"(by the Sea with the Son) 2005
Eighty-eight women gathered in Ocean City at the Dunes Manor hotel this past weekend to celebrate the “seasons” of their lives and their commitment to Christ. Peggy Oates shared her wonderful family, engaging them in leading various sessions during the weekend retreat. Peggy's sister, Jean Marie Andrews, assisted the participants in creating Bible bookmarks inspired by 2 Kings:4-7, the story of Elisha and the widow's oil. Her sister-in-law, Jeanne McMahon, shared some inspiring stories of how God had intervened to care for her at different times during her life. Peggy's sister Patty and her daughter Erin were also there to lend their support. A number of the participants also gave testimonies which were very moving. A great game of “Snowball” was enjoyed by many of the participants, and an almost-midnight visit from the Easter Bunny lent a spirit of merriment enjoyed by everyone. The culmination of the event was the wonderful worship service, when the music was led by Sheree Ruhl and Peggy's niece, Kate, and during which everyone prayed and rejoiced in their various seasons together. Many thanks to Peggy and her family and to Chris Campbell and her daughters Amanda and Suzanne who also contributed their time and talents to a very successful “Seasons by the Sea.”
Munchin' Luncheon: A monthly gathering for men and women at the noon hour to have fellowship, a program and a catered lunch.
Athletic Teams: Women's softball and volleyball. Men's softball, and volleyball and basketball are offered.
Other ways to get involved:
Yoga
Health and Healing
Therapeutic Nursery
Support Group
Youth Group
Hyattsville Kitchen
Bowie Baysox
Communion
Teenage Support
Crab Feast
Flower Committee
Hudson House
New Directory
Ushers
Community Pantry
Muchin Luncheon
Caller
Elders
Money Counters
Choirs
Caller by e-mail
If you desire to learn more about our fellowship at CCPC, please check the Hospitality Register located in each pew rack.
