BLESSED BE GOD: FATHER, SON, and HOLY SPIRIT
THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
CHRIST CONGREGATIONAL UCC
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10:30 AM
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HYMNS
“Faith of Our Fathers"
"God, Speak to Me, That I May Speak"
"For the Beauty of the Earth"
Hymns sheet music will return next week. Special Music links too!
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“WELCOME!"
We are so glad you are here!”

As we enter our church, as we live as members, as we experience important life-cycle events (falling in love, marrying, parenting, baptism, coming out, transitioning, etc.), words of welcome and support, understanding and love are what we all long for. This manifestation of God’s Extravagant Welcome and the justice and social witness that accompany it are the heart of what we hope to show our community and all who walk through the doors of Christ Congregational United Church of Christ.

PEACE BE WITH YOU!
When our pride swag was stolen just days after it was unfurled, Karen Kett and Rene Brodsky wasted no time responding. Karen sent an inspired message (see above) to the responsible party and to all who drive passed CCC. We will not be silenced, and we will not falter in our allyship with the persecuted and oppressed.
June 16, 2023

Dear Congregation,

Summer greetings to you as we head into the official start of the season on Wednesday, June 21st! We have two celebrations we’ll be lifting up in worship on Sunday—Father’s Day, and the newest Federal holiday, Juneteenth, on Monday, 6/19, which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. I hope you’ll be present in worship, either in person or on Facebook

The Gospel text that will be our focus is Matthew 9:35-10:8, one of the accounts of Jesus calling his disciples. The sermon title is “Ordinary People”, for it’s important to remember that Jesus chose ordinary people to do extraordinary work to share the Good News of the kingdom of God. Those ordinary people are responsible for the world-wide Christian church which is estimated at having over 2.2 billion believers today. He continues to choose ordinary people to be the Body of Christ in this world.

As you’ve probably heard me say often, in response so some new or ongoing piece of appalling news, “There’s a lot of work to be done in the world!” I truly believe that framing our response in such a way not only recognizes that we have the power to change the bad, but that, as Christians, as ordinary people, it is in our job description to work to do so as best we can. We do not accept that we are powerless, but remember whose we are. We remember that Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit to aid us and to empower us.

I am energized by what the ordinary members of CCC are doing in this time and place to live out Jesus’ mandate to love and serve. You are rock stars in your commitment to justice and peace! Rock on!

In Christ’s love, 

Pastor Candy

CALENDAR

Sat. June 17 |
CCC Women

Sun. June 18 | 10:30 am
Worship in the Sanctuary
 & Facebook Live

Great link, click above

Sun. June 25 | 10:30 am
Worship in the Sanctuary
 & Facebook Live
After last week's Justice Luncheon, Harold Marrero, our guest speaker joined several of us in showing off the banned books gifted to attendees of Coral Gables UCC "Sanctuary of Banned Books" event. Pastor Candy has invited us to check out a book or two and see for ourselves what is at risk if we do not show up for #FREADOM.

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Global Ministries offers a weekly prayer for one of our global mission partners. This week's prayer is with the Republic of Egypt. To read their mission moment, please click the Global Ministries IMAGE. Below is this week's prayer, united we pray.
Lord, thank you for allowing us to live in this country. Lord, we lift Egypt up to you for blessings today. We thank you for allowing us to live in a place that lets us pray to you every day. Thank you for the blessing that this country may be to its people and its surrounding neighbors.

We pray for our country’s safety and that you keep those who live here safe from others who would do us harm. We pray, Lord, that we one day see an end to all the terrorism and other forces that require our vigilance.

God, we continue to pray for this country’s prosperity. Even in hard times, we ask for your hand in programs that help those who are marginalized and are challenged to help themselves. We thank you for your hand in caring for those who do not have proper homes, jobs, and more. We pray, Lord, that we continue to find ways to bless those who feel alone or helpless.

Lord, we pray for CEOSS and its work in this country for the prosperity and advocacy for those without a voice. We pray for the different initiatives that we undertake, whether in development or dialogue, to change the mindset and livelihoods of people so that we will be able to reflect your image to others. In Your Name, Amen.

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REMEMBERED IN OUR CONTINUING PRAYERS

Joy Reid, Jay Harragin, Joan Hansen, Maggie McDowell, Daniel Best,
J.J. Ketzle, Jim and Cindy Ketzle, Carol McCreary, Mary Ellen Prather, Kevin Zhang, Neal and Pam Watkins & family, Frank Tirb,
George Colimorio, Bradley Everhardt and Marsi Ott Miranda,
Rhonda Johnstone Cespedes’ family and friends
Marlyn Baker & family and friends, Jean Richardson and Cuca Curbelo

For Pastoral Care Needs, please call Pastor Candy directly at 925-640-9289 or you may call and leave a message with the Church Office, 305-235-9381.
Thank you so much for the generous gifts of your time, treasure and talent in pursuit of A Just World For All!
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The Rev. Candace Thomas | Pastor

Graham Bryan | Moderator & President

Jay Harragin | Music Director

Miriam Grissett | Editor