Good Afternoon and a Terrific Thursday to You!

As I write, I hope that everyone is staying dry and safe. This rain has been crazy. It is a gift and a curse. A gift, as our state, has endured a long period of drought, and although the rain we have received will not cancel our drought guidelines, it does nourish the earth and provides for an abundant spring. This much rain is a curse in Southern California as our roads are not designed to accommodate it, and our cliff-dwelling residents literally, live on the edge of fear that their homes could collapse, due to sinkholes and eroding land. Today, I choose to accept it as a much-needed gift while at the same time, being very cautious as I travel in and around our city.  

A big thank you to those who participated in worship this past weekend. I sort of geeked out with the passage from Luke. This happens occasionally when my study and research sends me down several abundant rabbit holes. Thanks to all in attendance for listening so intently. I hope you left with a sense of wonder at how amazing our Holy scripture is. I also want to thank Chris Chambers who offered an honest authentic, spirit-filled version of, “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” during communion. Several people commented to me how much this deft performance meant to them. I am grateful for Chris and his faithfulness to our congregation, and his readiness to jump in when asked.  

This coming Sunday, we will venture into John’s Gospel for our last sermon in the series, “The Point of Grace.” I hope and pray that our concentration on God’s Amazing Grace, has blessed you and that you can enter Holy Week holding the truths of God’s grace in your heart. The passage is John 4:1-15. 

Until Sunday, enjoy the rain. And Until Sunday, stay safe in the rain. BTW, I checked with the weather radar, and it says that Sunday is going to be sunny and warm; a perfect day to be in church with your faith family. I love being your pastor

Holding you close and lifting you high!

Pastor Greg

Our Church

Destiny Wild, friend of Freddie

Roger, Ray Lampman's brother

Ray Lampman, healing

Prayers for the family and friends of Allen Welcome, Jean Young’s dad. He passed on Sat. March 4th

John, Jeannie’s cousin’s husband, fell in a barn and has severe injuries

Elena, grandniece of the Shelley’s

William, Kristie’s friend

Sue, friend of Kristie

Joan Bleich

Dianne Florio

Joanne Jonas

Elaine Lemon

Nina Melad

Rocelle Melone

Betty Nagatani

Jim Siltanen

Sam, Felicia, and Nellie-Felicia’s Sister

WE NEED SOUP!

On Maundy Thursday, April 6th, at 12:00 noon, the CCPUCC family will gather in the Fellowship Hall for a time of food and worship.

 Maundy Thursday is the day when we remember Christ’s mandate to

His disciples … “to love one another as I have loved you.” 

One of the ways Jesus loves us is found in the sacrament of Holy Communion, aka The Last Supper.

 Following lunch, we will gather around our tables and receive the elements of Grace. remembering Christ’s sacrifice and love for us. WE NEED SOUP. 

We are looking for individuals who will provide a crockpot of your favorite soup for the day. Please, let Pat know in the church office, or sign-up in the Fellowship Hall after Sunday worship

GOOD FRIDAY

APRIL 7, 2023, 6:00 p.m.

Church Sanctuary

The climax of our Lenten journey is upon us. Good Friday is a time for us to

remember the last hours of Jesus’ life, meditating on his last thoughts from the

cross. This year, we will be joining our sibling churches, First Congregational

Church of Escondido and First Congregational Church of Ramona. To our

knowledge, this is the first time these three blessed congregations will be joining

together in worship. Pastors, Wes Ellis, and Holgie Choi will join Pastor Greg in

leading all present in a time of reflection, prayer, song, and grief. It is so important

for those who seek and follow Jesus to set aside time to come to grips with the

horrible nature of His death. Resurrection only happens after the crucifixion. Make

Good Friday a priority in your life.

EASTER FLOWER FUND

Nothing says, “EASTER” like a sanctuary filled with flowers. This year we

are giving you an opportunity to be a part of this effort. If you would like to

dedicate flowers in someone’s memory or honor, you can make a special gift of

$15.00 to cover the church’s cost. Either mark your check with Easter Flowers in

the memo section or use a pew envelope and mark it with “easter flowers.”

There will be a limited number of fresh Easter lilies used, as we are sensitive to the reality of allergies within our congregation. Thank you in advance for being a part of this special day.

FLOWER CROSS FOR EASTER SUNDAY

This year, as in years past, we will be filling our “flower cross” with fresh-cut flowers that you bring. The cross will be on display on the patio, near the

sanctuary entrance.

Simply bring your fresh flowers on Easter Sunday and add to

the beauty. What a beautiful reminder that the cross was just the beginning of

the life that we share today.

Out at the Park

The season is starting soon, and the San Diego Padres (the best team out there) will be hosting the Brewers at Petco Park on April 14th at 6:40pm. 

As a part of their community outreach, they will be hosting Out at the Park, an event that benefits the San Diego LGBTQ+ community. Our own Outreach Board thinks this would be a terrific chance to show our allyship with the community and be a spark of God's light in the world (and you'll get a cool new hat!). 

Greetings from Outreach,

  This month Our Mission Offering is for One Great Hour of Sharing. Also know as OGHS. The OGHS offering is one of the 5 mission Offerings that we support as part of our UCC’s Wider Mission Offering.

This year’s theme is “ It’s Time to Share”.

 We live in a world in which hunger is widespread. It can be brought on by disasters, poverty, or fleeing conflict. With our gifts, we can help OGHS to respond to hunger issues, no matter the cause, both locally and globally.

 Our gift will help OGHS partners to provide immediate aid by providing food, water, shelter, and compassion during times of distress. Our gifts can also allow families to plant crops, and learn more about sustainable farming. Our gifts help our partners around the world teach about food and nutrition, hygiene, waste management, and environmental protection.

There is so much that can be done when we share our gifts.

We can make a difference.

We do make a difference.

Your generosity makes all the difference in the world.



God’s blessings from the

Outreach Ministry

The JOY of FOOD!

Each week there will be a “Recipe of the Week” for the Buzz!

There will be a red basket in the Narthex where you can drop off your favorite recipes or please email them to julie@ccpucc.org. It can be any recipe from family favorites to ones recently discovered! We will be encouraging you to share your thoughts after you made the dish too. 

Since there were no "new recipes" sent in, I will leave the one from last week- Julie

This week's recipe is Sour Cream Coffee Cake!

"And it's delicious!"- Julie

Sent in by Linda England, thank you! 

Click Here for Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe!

Adult Scripture Review:

Sunday’s following worship in the fireside room!

Email Susan Gurriell

at sgurriell@gmail.com

Books & More

In March we'll read and discuss Code Name Hélène by Ariel Lawhon. This book is based on the life of Nancy Wake, a nurse and journalist who joined the French Resistance and later the Special Operations Executive (SOE) during World War II.  

Books & More will meet at our regular meeting place, the Fireside Room on Tuesdays at 10:00 am.

ZOOM LINK:

https://zoom.us/j/98440622539pwd=aG1mRjlXVDVoRHhWTWpBaHA3QXZkUT09  

All are welcome to join us.  

Centering Prayer:

Tuesdays at 6:30 Contact Colleen Clementson

at powclem@yahoo.com or on

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

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 :)

Joke of the Week:

What do rabbits say before they eat?



"Lettuce pray"...

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