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It's Not About The Religion,
It's About The Relationship!
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This week's message:
"Good Measure,
Pressed Down,
Shaken Together and Running Over"
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Happy Thursday Church!
I hope that your week is going well and that you are living your best life.
Sunday was a very special day in our church. Our attendance was up AND I could count at least 15 regular folks who were out. God is up to something.
I hope you see and feel it in our community.
One of the joys of pastoring is having deep meaningful conversations with you. To be honest, I have had some interactions with folks that did not go like I had hoped, but for the most part, I love hearing your take on a scripture or idea. One of my favorite “sparring partners” is Chuck Henry. Sunday morning, following my message centered around the Reformation, Chuck gave me the brightest insight. I so wish I had thought of what he told me. Chuck remarked that the greatest “reformer” of all time was Jesus himself. This one who came to reform the Jewish people. Jesus remained an active part of the Jewish community; observing the Sabbath, going to the Temple, and singing the Psalms of ascent with others. He did not come to abolish Judaism just like Luther did not come to abolish the Catholic church. Both were martyred for their understandings of scripture. I don’t know about you, but this example SHOULD have been a part of my sermon. Thank you Church for always keeping me on my toes.
Sunday morning, we will be celebrating all of God’s amazing gifts. God has richly blessed this congregation. Right now, there are signs all over our campus that point us to God’s goodness. As we approach some rainy months, I am so grateful for our new roof. If you have already given to this monumental task … “Thank you.” If you have not, I encourage you to join in solidarity with your church and give to help complete our commitments. If you pledged an amount, I know that Linda England, our Treasurer would be very grateful if you can get that pledge in soon, as it is almost time to “pay the piper,” or “pay the roofers.” Thank you for all your support.
In addition to celebrating our building repairs/
enhancements for the future, we will also be celebrating Stewardship Sunday, this Sunday. We will gather for worship and center our minds and hearts around the biblical ideas of stewardship. We have much to be grateful for and our faithful stewardship in a signal I believe, of what We expect God to do. Please prayerfully consider how you can be a part of this years stewardship efforts. Also, remember that stewardship is not all about money and financial resources. Stewardship is also about our time, our talents and the gifts we are called to share. Bring your green commitment card with you to church and place it in the offering plate. If you did not receive a commitment card, there will be extras on hand.
Until Sunday, continue to pray for the Middle East. I also want to remind you that it is not antisemitic to pray for the victims of the violence in Gaza. Our hearts are big, by God’s design. There is plenty of room to show concern, mourn and expect more from both the Israelis and the Palestinians. Pray for ALL of the innocents lost and for those in positions of power to demand a cease fire, for humanitarian needs, and then to put an end to this ages long conflict.
I love being your pastor!
Holding you close and lifting you high!
Pastor Greg
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A Message from Pastor Debbie | |
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Greetings,
Frederick Buechner, who has passed, was a Presbyterian minister and theologian known for his great works.
He wrote, “The place God calls you is where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet”.
I am convinced we are always being called by God no matter where we are in life’s journey. He also wrote “Go where your best prayers take you”. The two quotes work hand in hand, don’t they?
In your prayer life, as we prayer for people, our world, our church, ourselves, ask God “Hey what’s next?”. Where God is calling you is what is needed, no matter how big or small and no matter where.
Say to yourself “I may be tired, but “Here I Am Lord” (you can even sing it, one of my fav songs)
Blessings,
Pastor Debbie
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Stewarding the Presence of God
This Sunday is “Stewardship Sunday” and I’ve been thinking about the idea of stewardship in terms of worship. In my tradition, the term, “stewarding the presence of God” was often used for the idea of creating an environment in which the presence of God is both welcomed or recognized and sustained.
There are two concepts that came to mind which are very similar to how we might steward other gifts God has given such as our time, talents or treasures.
The first is the idea of prayerful planning. Prayerful planning in worship creates a sense of order in which there is excellence and a sense of consistency that removes distraction to allow us to better identify and step into the flow of the presence of God. It also helps us to hear from God in preparation and be in sync with what the Spirit is wanting to do in our midst.
The second concept is the idea of surrender. The idea that we cannot control the presence of God or make it come as it is a gift from God. We can simply give ourselves into it and step into the flow of what God is doing, we can only steward it, not fabricate it. Sometimes overplanning can be stifling or we can miss what God is wanting to do in worship. I think there are similar ideas in stewarding our other resources as well.
A song we will sing this week leading up to the message is by the band United Pursuit and called “Nothing I Hold Onto.” It is a simple song about the idea of a letting go of our own agenda’s, plans or abilities and living life surrendered to God. A fitting way to think of stewardship in the kindom of God. Listen to it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmm8ETk70lg
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Israel and Palestine
David, friend of Rosemary
Linda Hansen, sister of Colleen Clementson
Family and Friends of Jim Siltanen, who passed last week
Freddie, surgery November 15th
Oscar, brother in law of Butch Young
John Savage, organizer of Ladle Fellowship
Larell, friend of Rosemary
Ivana, daughter of Anne Wallace
Dianne Florio
Joanne Jonas
Nina Melad
Our Church Leadership
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UPCOMING EVENTS & WEEKLY NEWS | |
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Stewardship Sunday, November 12th
This Sunday is our annual Stewardship Sunday. By now, most of you have received the pastor’s letter concerning our Stewardship Campaign for 2024. The Theme of this years’ effort is:
“Good Measure, Pressed Down, Shaken Together and Running Over.” –Luke 6:38
If you received your green commitment card, you may bring it to church on Sunday and place it is the “little chapel” box in the Narthex. You can also mail it into the office or drop it off in person and say “hello.” These cards are important as the church leadership uses them to develop a responsible budget for the coming year. We hope to see you Sunday!
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Position open for Church Office Administrator
for the Community Church of Poway
General Purpose: To maintain the efficient operation of the church office, including but not limited to, the coordination of administrative/clerical activities in accordance with the Community Church of Poway’s mission, vision and core values.
Primary Responsibilities:
1. To assist the Church Pastor as assigned.
2. Complete administrative duties to assist church boards.
3. Create an office environment that is welcoming to people.
Qualification:
1. Display the ability to communicate well, both verbally and written. Have proof reading skills.
2. Must have proficient computer skills, be knowledgeable of Microsoft software and troubleshooting.
3. Handle confidential information and data appropriately.
4. Be able to work independently.
This position is approximately 20 hours per week, Tuesday through Friday, both with some flexibility.
Start date to be January 2024.
If interested, please email personnelccpucc@gmail.com
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CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
November 19th
What a joy it is to be part of a church that truly embraces the “CONGREGATIONAL WAY.” After our Thanksgiving Worship and PIE, we will convene for our November Congregational Meeting. We will be getting some updates and electing church leadership for the 2024 Ministry year. Make plans now to make November 19th a wonderful morning in community. Oh yeah … don’t’ forget to bring a PIE.
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Thanksgiving Worship and PIE DAY.
Sunday, November 19th
You and your families will not want to miss our special Thanksgiving Worship on Sunday, November 19th. During the worship time, we will travel back to the early days of the frontier. You will be treated to 4 monologues of well-known Bible characters as if they were on the American frontier. You will be moved by the life realities they bring to us, encouraging us to be thankful. After worship, we will gather for PIE DAY. We had 20 pies last year and looking for more this year. Nothing says “Thanksgiving” like delicious homemade pies. Always keep in mind your pastor loves cherry. Hope to see many of you there.
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Trunk or treat exceeded our expectations!
We're incredibly grateful to all of you who came and contributed your time, creativity, and boundless energy to make this event such a wonderful experience. It was heartwarming to see the community come together for some Halloween fun. Your presence and enthusiasm truly made it a memorable occasion, and we can't thank you enough for making it a success. Your support is greatly appreciated! 🎃🙌👻
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A LITTLE HEADS UP FOR CHRISTMAS EVE 2023
Well, the calendar is doing it to us again. This year, Christmas Eve happens on a Sunday. Christmas Eve morning, we will offer a very “unplugged,” intimate, worship time with Communion. This morning gathering will last only about 30 minutes. Then, at 6:00 p.m. we will gather in the sanctuary for a Christmas Eve Worship Celebration. Christmas Eve and Easter are two days when we put many of our eggs in one beautiful basket. We always have visitors who want to worship in a church on Christmas Eve, as well as your extended families. Make plans now to be here, family in tow, and invite someone you know who needs what we have in this beloved community. So … go right now to your paper calendars and iphones and log this information. It is going to be a wonderful holiday season
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Time to Deck the Halls
Saturday morning, December 2nd, we will be gathering to deck our halls for the Advent Christmas Season. We will begin at 9:00 a.m. We have found from the past, that the more folks we have, the quicker we create a beautiful result. Everyone is welcome, especially our kids.
Also, as we did last year, we are looking for those individuals who have an extra artificial tree at home. We would love to create a CCPUCC forest on the chancel. Let Pastor Greg know if you have a tree you would like to let us use. There will be food! Hope to see many of you there.
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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.
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This week the recipe is Cranberry Jello Salad!
Sent in by Ann Davis, thank you Ann!
Click Here for Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe!
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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!
Check back next week!
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Adult Scripture Review:
Sunday’s following worship in the fireside room!
Email Susan Gurriell
at sgurriell@gmail.com
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Books & More
Books & More will not meet on Tuesday, Nov. 21.
On Nov. 28 we'll discuss The Happiest Man on Earth: The Beautiful Life of an Auschwitz Survivor by Eddie Jaku.
Books & More meets on Tuesdays at 10:30 am in the Fireside Room.
All are welcome to join us.
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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
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Your Favorite Weekly Joke | |
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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:
Why did the biologist break up with the physicist?
They had no chemistry!
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