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The Pastor's Corner 
We know that none of the Ten Commandments were written for children--they  were written for adults. The fifth commandment tells us to Honor our Parents. Since I have limited time to talk about this on Sunday, I wanted to share something from the book, "Losing Moses on the Freeway" by Chris Hedges that I have been using in preparation for the series.
All parents, for better or worse, shape our lives. They condition our responses years after they are gone. Children who were loved, or not loved, who yearn for approval that was never sufficient...live out these yearnings as adults. The imprint of parents is unavoidable. It marks us into old age.
We all honor our parents, even parents we reject. For to honor our parents is to honor our essence, the root from which we sprung. Even the best parents have an oppressive power that must be broken. We must free ourselves from our parents to become fully formed individuals, in the process taking with us that which they gave us, and trying to fashion a distinct and seperate life. It is a life that must, in the end, replace the parents.
Reflecting on Hedges' writings has caused me to ponder the powerful forces that bond us together through our families. Our parents are not always with us. Some of us were raised by family members who were not our parents. These important individuals shaped us in similiar ways. I believe we are expected to honor those individuals as well. The commandment to honor our parents was the first social security program. Generations must care for each other, as the commandment promises, "if our days are to be long."
Frequently in the Bible we are called "children of God." Our understanding of God is also shaped by our early parental images. Did we grow up believing God was kind and loving? Or, did we come to believe that God is jealous and angry? As we become mature adults we have to fashion and own our distinct relationship with God. Our parents can only take us so far along that journey. One way we honor them is to live a life worthy of their love and sacrifice. The other way is to follow Jesus Christ and honor the sacrifice he made on our behalf.
James Brassard
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Please Welcome New CCPC Staff
Two new staff members have begun work here at CCPC. Martha Padilla is our new custodian. She has lived in Glenn Dale for several years, is married, and has adult children. Her son Juan and his wife LaTanya Barrera were tragically killed in an auto accident December 7. Martha now shares the care of the couple's children, Alex and Natalia, with the children's uncle. Martha works part time for CCPC and also at All Saints Lutheran Church in Bowie. The day care center has assumed the responsibility for cleaning the Christian Education building.
Also joining us is our new administrative assistant, Renee' M. Collins Georges. A California native, she relocated to the east coast in 1995 and lived in New Jersey prior to moving to the Washington, DC, area with her husband, DuPor Georges, in 2000. They have a 3-year-old son, Alston Lee, and now live in Bowie. Mrs. Georges has a broad administrative background, and has worked in the fields of medical marketing and information technology, as well as in administrative areas of radio and advertising. In addition, she is a professional vocalist, and was invited to sing the national anthem during the 2005 and 2006 Bowie Baysox seasons. The Georges are visiting members at Village Baptist Church in Bowie, and at the 19th Street Baptist Church in Washington, DC.
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 Global Warming Documentary
Please join the Adult Education Council and the Spirit and Discovery Group for Spotlight on Global Warming on Sunday, February 11, at 4 pm in the sanctuary. The documentary "An Inconvenient Truth" will be shown. CCPC is joining more than 4000 congregations across the country that have screened this film that documents the impending climate crisis and urges viewers to act.
Plan on staying for the discussion in Dodds Hall after the movie with Dr. Paul Chan, a climate researcher and former associate director of the Global Change Data Center and director of the Earth Science Data Center, both at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Dr. Chan has worked for USDA's Economic Research Service, and for the National Weather Service. He is currently with Caelum Research Corp., a small technology company in Rockville.
A delicious soup supper will be available to warm the belly and the soul (not the planet!) for only $3
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 Newcomers Brunch Set for Sunday
If you've been attending CCPC and want to get more information about our church, please note that a Newcomers Brunch will be held following the 11 am service on Sunday, February 11, in Dodds Hall. Lunch will be served, and we'll introduce everyone to staff and other leaders. A brief church tour will follow the meal.
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Interested in Women of Faith 2007?
The Women of Faith Amazing Freedom 2007 tour is coming to Washington, DC, July 13 and 14. Featured speakers at the Verizon Center include Patsy Clairmont, Nicole Johnson, Marilyn Meberg, Sandi Patty, Anita Renfroe, Luci Swindoll, Sheila Walsh, Thelma Wells and special guest Max Lucado. A pre- conference day with Beth Moore is scheduled for 9 am - 3 pm the Friday before the conference.
For more information, contact CCPC's 2007 group leader Peggy Oates. The deadline for registration is April 1.
Learn more about the conference
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Stop the Letters--for Now
We've received word that Gwynne Tavel is moving to another Army base effective February 16. Please do not send any more letters to Gwynne at his current address; the Tavel family will let us know the new address as soon as it is available.
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Munchin' Luncheon
Munchin' Luncheon will be held on Monday, February 12, and the meal will include beef over egg noodles, glazed carrots, salad and dessert. Everyone is welcome-- just RSVP to Kim Tavel.
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Lenten Dinner Schedule Announced
The schedule, menus and prices have been announced for the 2007 Lenten Dinners.
Feb. 23, the youth will be serving chicken pot pies.
March 2, Paper Tigers are doing barbeque.
March 9, New Members will be serving African food.
March 16, PWOC will be serving a yet-to-be- announced dish.
March 23, the Deacons will be having baked potatos.
March 30, the Choirs will offer up chili.
Dinners start at 6 pm, with food, fellowship and intergenerational programs. Kids under 3 are free, those from 3 to 10 are $1, and ages 11 and up (including adults) are $3--we won't charge more than $10 per family. Plan now to come early, have fun, and get to know each other!
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Upcoming Spirit Group Events
Just a reminder that there will be a Couples Yoga evening at 7 pm at February 13; regular yoga continues on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7 pm). February 23 at 7 pm a contemplative service will be held in the sanctuary. And, Spirit Group activities will be held at 7 pm in the sanctuary during Lent, on March 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30. Learn more about this group at
http://mysite.verizon.net/vze3hvnp/spirit.html |
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CCPC Calendar 
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