Happy Thursday Dear Church!

I don’t know about you, but if you were in worship this past Sunday, then you know what being blessed is all about. The Baptism of Elnaz Yousefi was not only a high point in my ministry, but a high point in my life. In the United Church of Christ, we do not use the term conversion very often. Conversion seems to imply that a person not only has proclaimed a change in their lives, but a realignment with new ideals, indeed, a new identity. The journey from Islam to Christianity is … well … pretty big. I hope those of you who witnessed this amazing sacrament were moved by the gravity of Elnaz’s decision to follow Christ in Baptism. For me, it solidified the importance and blessedness of my own baptism and the power afforded me in the Holy Spirit, to live God’s Abundant life. Let’s just say, I am still riding a wave of praise!

This coming Sunday, we are going to “flesh out” the story that Ms. Kristie introduced to us last Sunday in her Children’s Time … The ascension of Jesus. It is a fantastical tale … not unlike the rest of our story, that acts as a closure piece. We all know that when a loved one passes and enters God life, that we need something to help us to “go on.” I would say, seeing your friend and leader ascend into the sky would be quite a closure for the disciples. Now … they had to get moving fulfilling Jesus’ last will and testament that we read in what we call THE GREAT COMMISSION.

“Go ye, into all the world, baptizing them in the name of the Father (Creator) and the Son and the Holy Spirit; teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and low I am with you, even until the end of the age. “

I hope everyone will consider being with us this coming Sunday. Worship, during the spring and summer months is so refreshing. There is something about the new life of Easter that simply lingers. Plus, with all of the rain we have received, the hills are greener than ever and the wildflowers exploding with color. I encourage us all to be aware of God’s natural beauty as it is in God’s creative display that we can be reminded that God is God and We are not. I love being your pastor!

Holding you close and lifting you high!

Pastor Greg

Ascension Worship

This Sunday is ascension Sunday, the day we remember that after 40 days of time after the resurrection of spending time with his disciples, Jesus was “taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.” That would be an amazing, awe-inspiring moment that would certainly make me think more highly of Jesus, even worship him. Could this happen? I think it could have. Did it happen? I think it could have, but what’s more important to me is why the early Christian authors wanted to tell us this. Three things come immediately to mind, though I’m sure there are so many more. First, an explanation of why Jesus is no longer here if he is resurrected. Second, a statement of their belief in some kind of divinity or at least special place for Jesus as he’s taken up to be with the Father. He is one worthy of worship. Third, there is the statement by the angels, that he will come again. There are moments when we feel distant from Jesus, the idea of Jesus, our faith in Jesus. It feels like he’s somewhere other. But ascension reminds us he is still risen, still present through the Holy Spirit as we’ll celebrate next week, and never leaves us or forsakes us but will come again in some way. So, this week we worship in the midst of this tension we still declare 2000 years later, He is still risen, in more ways than one.

Dear Congregation of the Community Church of Poway.

We are saddened today at the news of the death of our own Betty Curtiss (B.J.). Betty was a long-time member of our church and is known for her quick wit and energy. Her presence in our lives will be missed. At this time there is not a memorial planned, at her request. Please hold all her family in your prayers.

If you feel inclined and would like to send some flowers or a card, please send it to the family of B.J. Curtiss.

Jill Curtiss

1322 Law STreet

San Deigo, CA 92109

I want to thank you so much for all of your support. Besides taking 550 combat application tourniquets (CATs), we took 500 Israeli Bandages and 500 anti-biotic creams for those people who are now dragged into the war. We keep getting pictures, videos and certificates thanking us from different military units. Every message is one of appreciation for the life saving equipment. It was explained that each soldier likes to have 4 tourniquets with them - one for each limb. And each unit who received these supplies told us how much more they need. They need CATs and Israeli Wound Bandages. And the emphasis is MORE CATs!

When we were in Ukraine, we worked with a person who gave us a contact to buy the tourniquets in the Ukraine. The military medics state CATs from this manufacturer is similar in quality to the ones made in the USA. This means we would not need to pay for transportation costs within the USA and costs to getting them to Ukraine. Shipping would be within Ukraine from the manufacturer to our friend who distributes to the military/ civilians. We would not have known about this path unless we had been in the Ukraine to discuss and show our commitment to their cause. So crossing our fingers. Hands On Global is testing to see if this lowers the cost, the same quality as the American CAT and also successful courier service within the country. It becomes another project!

With immense gratitude, Cathy

Please join us at the chapel on May 11th at 3 pm as we come together to commemorate the life of Joanne Jonas. Joanne's presence brought warmth and joy to our community, and this memorial service offers us an opportunity to reflect on her legacy and the cherished memories we shared with her. Your presence and support during this time will be deeply appreciated by Joanne's family and friends.

Guatemala News:

We're excited to announce that Zoe Mara will be delivering a captivating presentation at our service on May 26th, shedding light on the incredible work of Fundamaya, the organization we support in Guatemala.

Following the service, join us in the Fellowship Hall for a special opportunity to purchase authentic Guatemalan goods. Every purchase directly contributes to supporting our upcoming service team's journey to Guatemala in March 2025, ensuring that we can continue making a meaningful impact in the lives of those in need. Your participation not only enriches your life but also uplifts entire communities in Guatemala.

“The Secret Message of Jesus” by Brian Mclaren

Lenten Book study

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

Note we will be meeeting AND will countinue on April 25th! See you today.

For Lent this year, Pastor Greg has offered a book study on, “The Secret Message of Jesus,” by Brian McLaren. This has been 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

🌟🚗✨ Lantern Crest Lunch Trip Alert! ✨🚗🌟

Hey there, wonderful folks of Community Church of Poway!

We're gearing up for a special outing on June 15th from 12-2pm to visit our dear friends at Lantern Crest in Santee,Ca.

Join us for a heartwarming lunchtime gathering with Joann Bleich, Bernie Gonzalez, and Ann Davis. Sign-ups start May 19th in the Fellowship Hall. We are planning to Carpool from the Church! There's a small $15 fee per person for lunch.

See you there! 🎉

🎄 Save the Date! 🎄

Join us for a Christmas Dinner Party at the Community Church of Poway – a night of festive fun you won't want to miss! 🌟

Bring the whole family for a jolly good time filled with great music, delicious food, and plenty of photo booth shenanigans. 🎶

Mark your calendars for December 13th, 2024 , and stay tuned for more details as we count down to the most wonderful time of the year! 🎉🥳

Thank you all for your tremendous support for our April Basket of Hope. We gathered a pile of items to fill our Blessing Bags. Even our online congregation participated by shopping online or sending a check. On Sunday May 5th we assembled 100 Blessing Bags, and asked all to take some bags to distribute as you come across people experiencing homelessness. Consider keeping a supply handy in your car. If you did not receive the filled bags or need more, please see Sylvia or Kristie on Sunday.

I’d like to thank Sylvia for bringing the idea of Blessing Bags to the Board of Outreach and for her help in organizing our do church to assemble the bags. Thank you to Autumn and Kristie for compiling the resource list, which was included in each bag. Great job everyone!

Poway Interfaith Team

Our church is a member of the Poway Interfaith Team (POINT), which makes you a member too! POINT works to create fellowship between different faith traditions and work towards the peace and love that all religions strive towards.

POINT typically meets on the second Thursday of each month at 6:30pm at different places of worship and on Zoom. This month’s meeting is 6:30pm May 9 at the Islamic Center of San Diego: 7050 Eckstrom Avenue, San Diego, CA 92111. Autumn can send you the Zoom link as well. Dinner will be served at 6:00pm; RSVP requested.

Feel free to message Autumn at autumnhankinson4@gmail.com if you have any questions or would like to learn more about POINT!

Greetings from the Outreach Ministry,

We have an amazing opportunity to help the young people of our community! For the next two months, our Basket of Hope, will be filled with our gifts to benefit the Abraxas school “Safe Center Pantry” here in Poway.

Abraxas serves the children of Poway, as an alternative education option for students working through life challenges while earning their diploma. Students that receive a free lunch on campus, for some this may be their only source of a complete and nutritious meal. At this time, 13% of their students are facing housing instability, and working through other life challenges. They are able to find support at Abraxas so that they could better focus on their academics.

Abraxas is a year-round school, in session, every nine weeks after which there is a three week break. During the breaks no lunch is provided, so many of the teens are happy to get the extra support they need from the Safe Center Pantry at Abraxas. The pantry is able to send them home with the nutrition they need.

Together, we can help replenish the pantry and get it ready for the needs of the children during the break. Please prayerfully consider how you can help these amazing students at Abraxas.

The grocery wish list is for

Shelf stable milk - boxed cereal- instant oatmeal-cornbread mix-pasta or spaghetti-pasta sauce-canned protein, Chicken, tuna, roast beef or low sodium spam-canned soup-canned vegetables and easily prepared shelf staples microwave items.

They also have a gift card wish list for

Stater Brothers-Walmart-Aldi-Albertsons/Vons-Target-Ralph’s or Arco gas cards. They would also welcome gift cards for local fast food places for a hot meal.

If you are able, please pick something from the wish list and bring to place in the Basket of Hope!!!

Thank you in advance for your generosity and for sharing your gifts with others. Big Blessings and Big Hugs

The Outreach Ministry

Greetings from Outreach,

Join us in spreading kindness and compassion at Ladle Fellowship on May 26th! We're rallying together to make a difference in our community, serving meals and providing support to those experiencing homelessness. Meet us in the parking lot at 12:30 to carpool and be part of this wonderful outreach initiative. Additionally, we'll be collecting men's clothing, backpacks, and blankets for donation.

Have questions or want to get involved? Reach out to Colleen Clementson at 858-663-6584. Let's brighten lives and make a positive impact together!

Hello from Outreach!

All are welcome to join the Board of Outreach! We meet the first Thursday of each month at 5:00 pm in the Fireside room and on Zoom. Contact Linda England at LindaDEngland@gmail.com or 858-748-3304 if you are interested in getting involved.

Outreach brings forth local and global service projects, from fundraising for medical supplies in war-torn areas, to gathering and assembling supplies for our unhoused siblings in our own county. By joining Outreach, you could contribute your passions to our church by voicing your ideas for service projects, suggesting new projects, and contributing to these projects in whatever ways you feel comfortable. By joining Outreach myself, I have found tangible ways to realize my dreams for our church, community, and world.

Have a great week!

Autumn

Adult Scripture Review:

Sunday’s following worship in the fireside room!

Books & More

Starting on Tuesday, May 21, in the Fireside Room we will begin a new book. The Girl in his Shadow by Audrey Blake. An unforgettable historical fiction novel about one woman who believed in scientific medicine before the world believed in her.

Books and More meets every Tuesday at 10:00am in the Fireside Room.

All are welcome to join us.

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

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 did one ocean say to the other ocean?

Nothing, it just waved.

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