Advent & Christmas with CPC
Along with many churches in Ames and throughout Iowa and the country, CPC will continue online-only worship throughout the Advent and Christmas season. This is in line with guidelines from the state of Iowa and the CDC that suggest limiting group gatherings as much as possible. Our first priority continues to be connecting as the community of CPC in new ways that protect all our members, friends and family, and our neighbors in Ames and Story County. The staff and committees of the church have been hard at work planning virtual gatherings and at-home resources for fellowship, learning, service, and worship. While we might not have every detail hammered out yet, take a look at these upcoming opportunities (some of them start today!):
FELLOWSHIP & CONNECTION
Spend time with us during regular Sunday and Thursday morning coffee fellowship times on Zoom! Whichever time fits your schedule, drop in to chat with CPC friends and on Sunday, discuss the day’s worship service and the work of our committees.
CPC’s poinsettia tradition continues in a new way: for this year's Advent season, we will send out our poinsettias from the church to members of our community who are unable to get out often, especially with the limitations of COVID-19, or who have experienced the loss of a loved one in the last year. For more information on how to participate, check your enews announcements or contact Katie Tschopp (secretary@cpcames.org, cell 515-537-3545).
How do you take the classic Christmas pageant virtual? CPC’s families are working on it! You can help: whether you and your family want to be in a scene or submit art or music, contact Mary Kitchell for more information (mary.kitchell@gmail.com, 515-451-0133).
Say “cheese!” If you’re in one of CPC’s busy committees, you’ll know already that we’ve been getting together on Zoom to record greetings and messages of Advent joy to share in worship. We’re excited for a moment to connect with you.
LEARNING & DEVOTION
Read Advent in Our Hearts, the devotional book written by CPC members and friends, any day of the season. If you wrote an article (or more than one!), thank you for sharing your heart with us. On Facebook and Instagram, look for short daily devotional prayers to reflect on together.
The “Do Not Be Afraid” Advent Series starts today led by our Adult Spiritual Formation Committee. Join in on Zoom at 4:00 p.m. each of the four Sundays of Advent. For more information, check your enews. To connect today, find the announcement link above.
Celebrate Advent with your family at home with a package of coloring pages, activities and other goodies delivered to all the children and youth in the church. Want to share your artwork? Send pictures to Katie Tschopp (secretary@cpcames.org) so we can admire your work!
SERVICE IN THE COMMUNITY
Make your Christmas gift special with the Alternative Gift Market. Through the market, you can honor the people on your Christmas list by giving life-changing gifts in their names – gifts that address people’s needs locally and worldwide. In 2020, more people than ever in the US are experiencing food and housing insecurity, and many local and international causes will benefit from our support. Check your enews or contact Jim Bolluyt (jbolluyt@iastate.edu) for more information.
Volunteer to serve a meal with Food at First. Food at First practices COVID-19 safety precautions to limit exposure while preparing and serving those needing food assistance. Contact Ann Thompson for more information (eat@iastate.edu). You can serve any week with your family or join the group of CPC members who serve on the first Sunday evening of each month.
WORSHIPING TOGETHER
Join us for a new spin on all our favorite Advent and Christmas worship traditions! We will continue our tradition of family Advent candle lighting, and CPC’s choir and praise band members are hard at work recording special (and safe) performances for the season. While Christmas Eve will look different this year, we look forward to sharing in worship and connecting with all of you in a special way.
