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It's Not About The Religion,


It's About The Relationship!

Sermon Series:

"A Million Dreams”

See Previously Recorded Messages
THE MID-WEEK BUZZ


Happy Thursday Dear Church!


Lotta Watta! What an incredible blessing of rain we received this week. I hope that the weather did not hinder or mess up your week in any way. Good news is still that we do not have any leaks in the church building. Thank you again to everyone who made our new roof possible. It was a big dream and with the amazing leadership of this church, we were able to see the dream realized. God has our back!

This coming Sunday, I am so pleased to be offering the sacrament of Baptism to Nathaniel Gillenwater. Nathaniel and his father, Anthony, have been worshiping with us for several months. As I have said before, there is nothing that thrills my soul like being God’s agent at a baptism. This sacrament, (a tangible sign of God’s Grace) is so important, not only for the person being baptized, but also for our entire community. When we witness the sacrament, we are invited to remember our own baptism and the promises that were made on that special day. Those of you baptized as adults, can remember, with clarity that day and thus rejoice with the one entering these mysterious waters. I also want parents and grandparents to know that I am going to invite our children to come close to observe the baptism. This is a community event. Thank you for welcoming this new family to our beloved community. We are proud of you Nathaniel.

We will continue with the sermon series this Sunday, looking at our dreams for God’s world. I hope you and your family will be with us, as we explore this amazing thing called planet earth. I would encourage you to start thinking about your dreams for our world. You can think both the physicality of the planet and the people inhabiting the planet. God has given humanity the responsibility to care for the earth and its people. How are we doing that today? How can we do better in the future? Hopefully, Sunday we will leave with a renewed sense of our call to dream in and for God’s world.

Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent are just around the corner. Amazing, as it seems just like last week that we visited the baby in a manger, and now, we look at his ministry, leading up to and including his execution and resurrection. February 14th, Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday, we will gather in the fellowship hall to observe this ancient ritual. Come and join us at 11:30 for a brown-bag BYOF (Food) fellowship, a short word from me, Holy Communion and the imposition of ashes.

The following week, we will begin our Lenten book study on Brian McClaren’s book, “The Secret Message of Jesus.” See the post in this issues of the BUZZ, with the link to order your copy. If this is the first time you have experienced the season of Lent, I pray that this season will prepare your heart for Holy Week, Good Friday and Easter. I think your heart will be blessed as you explore your faith this year. This season is different for everyone. What is your dream for Lent 2024?

Until Sunday, rest in the love and embrace of a radically inclusive God. Tell you friends that you are a part of a congregation that is unlike any other in our little city. I will always bless God for leading Freddie and I to this amazing corner AND, we have a lot of work to do. I love being your pastor.


Holding you close and lifting you high!

Pastor Greg

Music Ministry

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Mainstream Music in Worship

In our New Year’s series, “A Million Dreams,” we’ve been doing special music from mainstream artists that are not situated within or writing for the church. Is there a place for such songs within the church? My perspective is that there is. There are a number of reasons that I think of. First, some songs have truth in them about the human experience whether they are from a “Christian” perspective or not. I have found this to be true, especially when dealing with lament and pain which Christians are not always as good at expressing for some reason. The theological statement from Thomas Aquinas, “All Truth is God’s Truth” comes to mind here.

Another reason that I think of is that its simply fun to do songs that have made an impact on our culture and that many people in church or not in church would know. That leads to a final reason I think of relevance. I would never do a song just to be relevant, but couple with these other reasons, it plays into the equation for me that for certain seasons and certain reasons, it’s good for us to be relevant to those outside of the church while still being theologically sound and christologically rooted.

All that said, as a worship pastor, if a song does not have a specifically worship focus, I will not usually do it as a corporate song we sing together, but more as a special music piece that causes us to reflect and think. What do you think about this philosophy? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

UPCOMING EVENTS & WEEKLY NEWS

New!

Cathy’s Dream: CAT (s) for Ukraine


Embarking on a DREAM inspired by Pastor Greg's powerful sermon on "A Million Dreams” I knew I had to pursue a goal that seemed like a “dream” that was way out of my league. I'm Cathy Evans, gearing up to make a meaningful impact in Ukraine by delivering essential medical supplies. Partnering with a Ukrainian medic aiding the frontline, I aim to provide 500 CAT Tourniquets (Gen 7), crucial for saving limbs in a country grappling with 20,000 additional amputees since the onset of the war.


To ensure top-notch quality, these tourniquets must be sourced from the USA, bypassing knock-offs found on Amazon. With Pastor Greg's unwavering support, my dream is to deliver these life-saving tools to Ukraine.


As I set off in March, your contribution matters. Throughout February, you can purchase CAT(s) at a discounted rate of $22.98 from NORTH AMERICAN RESCUE, marked down from the retail price of $32. No order is too small or too big. Here are three simple ways to donate and support this cause:


1. Write a check to Community Church of Poway with "CAT(s) for Ukraine" in the memo.

2. Donate online directly to Hands On Global at handsonaglobal.org, specifying "CAT(s) for Ukraine" in the special instructions, or mail a check to Hands On Global, 5210 Kerr Drive, Helena, Montana 59602, with "CAT(s) for Ukraine" on the memo line.

3. Call NORTH AMERICAN RESCUE at 864-675-9800 EXT. 2, set up an account for the Humanitarian Aid Discount - Ukraine, and purchase CAT (Combat Application Tourniquet – Gen 7) at $22.98 each plus shipping. Deliver to Merita Callaway, 1163 Sandalwood Drive, Murphys, CA 95247.


Let's extend our compassion to the Ukrainian military by providing them with these crucial tourniquets. Your support will signify solidarity from the USA when it matters most. All tourniquets purchased in February will be personally delivered by me to Ukraine. Time is of the essence.


For any inquiries, email cathyevans2@icloud.com or text 858-231-6894. Please share this message with five others – family, friends, clubs, co-workers, acquaintances – and join me in making this dream a reality.


Thanks and namaste,

Cathy

Next Wednesday!

Ash Wednesday 2024

Brown Bag luncheon

February 14, 2024

11:30 in the Fellowship Hall

For those of you who have never experienced the mystery of Ash Wednesday, you are encouraged to come and live into this ancient ritual. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. It is a day when we focus on confession and our mortality in God’s creation. We will be observing Holy Communion as well. So bring your sack lunch and come join us for a short, meaningful time of worship.

Starting Feb.22nd!

“The Secret Message of Jesus” by Brian Mclaren

Lenten Book study

Begins February 22nd. 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

For Lent this year, Pastor Greg will offer a book study on, “The Secret Message of Jesus,” by Brian McLaren. This will be a fascinating look at how one of our leading progressive Theologians look at the life, words and actions of Jesus. Order your book today. I encourage you to not read ahead, but by sections with your group. Click on the ink below for a place to order:


https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Message-Jesus-Uncovering-Everything/dp/B002VBAXR6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3I00337P8XIGE&keywords=the+secret+message+of+jesus&qid=1706727999&sprefix=the+secret+message%2Caps%2C176&sr=8-1

Prayer Requests


With the departure of Pastor Debbie, you can always call the church office and give us your prayer request. You can also use the small paper slips in the Narthex. We will begin checking the prayer request box on a regular basis. If the request is meanto to be confidential, please email to Pastor Greg at:

pastorgregccpucc@gmail.com


Update

Strike a Pose and Say Cheese!


I will continue to ask you after worship for a quick capture!- Julie


The Church will be updating our member photo board! Starting January 28th, Julie Hume will be in charge of capturing a terrific photo of you and your family after Church on Sundays. We have so many great smiles in our congregation, let us make them shine!

The Outreach Ministry!

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Happy New Year from Outreach!


The weather has certainly been wintery! So, it’s our pleasure to announce that for our Basket of Hope drive in the months of January and February, Outreach will be benefiting Ladle Fellowship.


We are asking particularly for Men’s items, especially shoes, as well as socks, jackets/coats/sweatshirts, pants/sweatpants, and sleeping bags. Cold weather items are appreciated, as well.

Your generosity last year, as always in the years before, helped to warm the hearts and bodies of so many people who needed that tangible love the most, so in 2024 let’s hit the ground running (Hebrews 12:1-3) and help many more!

WEEKLY BIRTHDAYS

Who's got an upcoming BIRTHDAY?  


The Community Church of Poway wishes the following members a Happy Birthday. We hope you have a blessed day celebrating YOU! 


Jeanette Roache. Feb. 14th!

Meetings

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Adult Scripture Review:


Sunday’s following worship in the fireside room!

Email Susan Gurriell

at sgurriell@gmail.com

BOOKS N MORE!
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Books & More


On February 13, Books and More will start the discussion on The Girl with the Louding Voice, a New York Times best seller by Abi Dare. This is simultaneously a heartbreaking and triumphant tale about the power of fighting for your dreams. A celebration for girls who dare to dream.


Books and More meets every Tuesday at 10:30am in the Fireside Room.


All are welcome to join us.


Please note we will not meet on Tuesday, February 6.

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Centering Prayer:


Tuesdays at 6:30pm

Contact Colleen Clementson at powclem@yahoo.com or on

her cell at 858-663-6584, for the ZOOM invite

Your Favorite Weekly Joke 

Thank you for checking out our BUZZ! Here is what you were waiting for! If you have a favorite joke or any tips to make the BUZZ even better, please send emails to julie@ccpucc.org :)


This Joke was sent in by The Fosters! Thank you, Mina and John!


Joke of the Week:


What is the tallest building in the world?

The Library because it has the most stories!

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