|
|
|
|
|
The Pastor's Corner 
 Worship notes for Sunday, April 29th:
4th Sunday of Easter
My sister and I used to be big fans of Perry Mason re-runs. During the summer months of our college years we seldom missed the hour long programs that aired at noon. (We worked nights) Perry always got the killer (never one of his clients) to tell the truth on the witness stand after all the lies and deceptions were unraveled.
The 9th Commandment: "Thou shall not bear false witness," was originally interpreted very narrowly. You shall not give false testimony in court. In fact, if you committed perjury you would receive the same sentence the accused was charged with.
Jesus expands this interpretation in his Sermon on the Mount (see Matthew 5:33-37). Jesus, tired of people making elaborate oaths to cover up their lies, says that we should just tell the truth. "Let your yes mean yes and your no, no."
The sermon is titled, "Don't Be Afraid of the Truth."
Several years ago when sporting events started to draw large national television audiences it became quite common for a spectator to run onto the field and interrupt play. Sometimes the fan was naked: remember the streakers! Sometime they stopped to embrace or kiss a favorite player. Other times they just run around until they were ushered off the field. The practice became common and fans even cheered when the spectator would momentarily elude the security staff. After this annoyance became a regular occurrence the networks made it a policy that when someone ran onto the field they would divert all cameras and calmly tell the audience there was a rude fan on the field and they had a policy to not give any attention. The security staff became much more physical-often bringing them down with the ferocity of a middle linebackers bone crushing tackle. Instead of giving these idiots what they craved---lavish attention and publicity-they ignored them and meted out swift and sure punishment. The behavior is rare today.
Sadly we don't handle other bad behavior with the same wisdom. I am appalled at the media attention into the depraved behavior and deranged ranting of the young man who murdered 32 people at Virginia Tech last Monday. Anticipating the media spectacle he would create-he even sent his own "press kit" to a network office right before he went on his rampage. In his notes he even paid homage to the Columbine killers of 8 years ago. He will probably be the number one name associated with news casts in 2007. I shutter when I think that a future misguided killer will try to top the Virginia Tech mass murderer.
When Palestinian suicide bombers explode themselves in a Tel Aviv bus station killing himself and scores of innocent Israeli's a similar, behavior reinforcing ritual, is followed. The Palestinian community publishes their suicide notes, the family is lauded for producing "a hero" for the cause, and tales of the "hero" reward in heaven are extolled. Is it surprising this hideous behavior is replicated again and again? I was taught as a parent to not focus on bad behavior. I was told by some wise guides to always try to act responsibly yourself and to so model proper behavior for your kids. I would gently praise and reinforce good behavior and dispassionately and immediately correct especially egregious behavior (i.e., the first time they run onto the street you sternly paddle them saying, "doing this can get you killed and Daddy loves you more then life itself. Never do this again. Do you understand?") Dangerous behavior must be nipped in the bud. Modeling good behavior and establishing high standards produces polite, responsible and respectful children.
Professor and poet Nikki Giovanni said the following at the Tuesday night Memorial Convocation at Virginia.
We are sad today, and we will be sad for quite a while. We are not moving on, we are embracing our mourning. We do not understand this tragedy. We know we did nothing to deserve it, but neither does a child in Africa dying of AIDS, neither do the invisible children walking the night away to avoid being captured by the rogue army, neither does the baby elephant watching his community being devastated for ivory, neither does the Mexican child looking for fresh water, neither does the Appalachian infant killed in the middle of the night in his crib in the home his father built with his own hands being run over by a boulder because the land was destabilized. No one deserves a tragedy.
Instead of trying to understand the depraved who commit these hideous inhumane acts or to seek systems or individuals to blame for failing to prevent these tragedies, we can come together to mourn the loss and to comfort the survivors. Be thankful that such shooting sprees are still rare in America. 33 dead is an average day in Baghdad.
Forgiveness goes out and reconcile with one another so when quarterly communion occurred you could come and sit together and partake the bread and the wine.
James Brassard
|
|
|
|
30 Hour Famine Begins Saturday!
Our Youth Are Going To Starve Hunger
CCPC Youth - 30 Hour Famine dates: April 28- 29
The 30 Hour Famine begins on May 28th
with a kickoff breakfast at 8AM.
Our Fundraising Goal --- to raise $8,000!
Any donations you make are tax deductible and go to World Vision who sponsors and organizes this national event every year. So please be supportive when our students approach you.
Timeline: At 9AM we start fasting for 30 hours (w/juice breaks throughout the event), and head out for our first community service project at 9AM.
We need drivers and at least 4 chaperones for our community service project and scavenger hunt. We will do a canned food blitz in the area surrounding the church. We would love to have members help with this collection as well. We need our congregation members to donate as many non-perishable items at the church as they can on Sunday April 29th before, after and between services. All the goods go to the food pantry. We also need volunteers to cook the breakfast on Saturday morning at 8 AM and to cook on Sunday afternoon at 3 PM. The event ends at 4 PM. Additionally, we need a couple of men and women chaperones to help camp out overnight.
Students in our congregation are choosing to make a difference. They are getting ready to take part in World Vision's 30 Hour Famine. Because they are choosing to be a part of the solution, literally tons of food and other necessities will be provided to hungry and suffering children based on what they do.
Please pray for the participants who will be participating in the Famine. Second, prayerfully consider how you can come alongside them and offer your financial support to help save kids' lives. In a world that loses over 29,000 children every day to hunger and disease, we all can make a difference.
By taking the time - just one weekend - we will be making a difference in children's lives.
World Vision is a Christian relief and development organization dedicated to helping children and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty. We serve the world's poor- regardless of a person's religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.
For more information about World Vision's 30 Hour Famine, call 1-800-7FAMINE (1-800-732-6463), or visit 30 Hour Famine.
Thank you for your joining in our effort to help starve hunger. Ajibade Jegede
Get Involved! World Vision 2007 - 30 Hour Famine
|
Family Nature Scavenger Hunt
This Sunday - April 29th from 3-5 PM
Prizes and campfires with hot dogs, potato chips & dessert. Family Fun for OLD & YOUNG.
We will meet at Skip & Peggy Oates house.
The park and trail is across the street from the Oates. Please bring your own drinks.
|
|
CCPC Youth Fundraiser
This is the last week to place Scrip Orders!
All Orders and payments must be received by Sunday, April 29th
May is rapidly approaching, and in order to allow for the processing of the cards by the "Scrip" company in time for Mother's Day, we will take orders through Sunday, April 29th. This will allow us to distribute the cards on Sunday, May 13.
To request a copy of the order form, please email the church at ccpcbowie@verizon.net
Orders w/payments may be left in Ajibade's mailbox at the church office throughout the week. Order forms will be on the atrium table at CCPC throughout the week as well.
The Youth will man a table in Dodds Hall after both church services this Sunday to collect orders.
If you have questions, please call: Ajibade Jegede at the church (301) 262-6008, or Debbie Armstrong at home; or Diane Dudley -- work or home
Thanks.
What is Scrip, you ask? Basically, these are gift cards that you can purchase to use at local area merchants - the places you normally shop or dine. It operates just like the ongoing Giant Food Card program that the Youth sponsor monthly - only this is for other merchandise, and the companies give us a percentage of the card sales to keep as a fundraiser.
While you can certainly buy the cards to use for yourself - think of it as paying in advance for your next dinner out or next trip to the department store, these cards also make great gifts. With Mother's Day, Graduations, and Weddings coming up, you might think about giving some gift cards. They also make good gifts for the neighbor who brings in your mail when you are away, mows your yard, etc., Maybe you don't see the specific company you would like to purchase a gift card from, or perhaps you would like a card in a different denomination?? Well, the "scrip" website includes additional vendors and card amounts not on our preprinted order listing.
Please feel free to check out their website at www.glscrip - and you can than add any additional card orders at the bottom of the form.
Thank you for your continued support of the CCPC Youth!!
|
| |
|
Trash & Treasure Sale
Please join the Women of CCPC as we fund raise through our
Trash & Treasure Sale
Date: April 28, 2007
Time: 8:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
You can still drop off items through April 25th. Please deliver items to the 1st right-hand corner as you enter Dodds Hall from April 20th - 25th. Invite your friends and family to join us on the 28th. Please feel free to contact
Cyd Radden-LeSage
if you have any questions.
|
|
New Members
The following people were welcomed into the membership of CCPC on March 25th
Peter and Marie Farney (Erin & Benjamin)
Matthew and Tamara Kaye (Evie)
Brian Kesner
Voncile Willingham
|
|
CCPC Nominating Committee
THE CCPC NOMINATING COMMITTEE HAS FULL SLATE
Jim Bridger, chair of the Church Officer Nominating Committee reported that the committee has found people willing to serve as Elders and Deacons. The nominees, who will be elected at a congregational meeting to be held on Sunday, May 6th following the 11AM worship service, are listed below. All terms are for three years (unless noted). Our gratitude goes out to the committee and the people who stepped forward to answer the call to service.
DEACONS -- Bridget Peters -- Deborah Hoppe -- Amy Littlefield -- Kevin Rice -- Diane Kimberling
ELDERS
-- Barry Bahler -- Myrna Webb -- Marshall Saylors -- Kathy Sprouse -- Jim Woods & Alan Frank (1 yr )
|
|
Forum Bowie Recycling
April 29, Dodds Hall
Time: 9:45 AM
"I have been working on the Bowie Recycling Task Force. It has been an eye opening experience for me. I'm shocked to discover that Bowie is below the national average in recycling. It has also helped me see that what each one of us does about recycling REALLY DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE. I hope you will find some of this information interesting and enlightening too. Or just come and enjoy some photos that will remind you of what a beautiful planet we are trying to save!
Thanks, Doris Kobe."
|
|
Love Song
Coming Soon!
"Love Song" --The Story of Jesus
Told through the beautiful songs you love from Godspell, Jesus Christ Superstar, Children of Eden and many, many more.
Traditional and Contemporary, rock and gospel, young and old will raise their voices to bring you fresh insights to the most powerful story ever written.
Performances: May 4th & 5th at 7 PM and May 6th at 2 PM
Tickets: $8 Children 10 & Under: $5
See Allison Harriman between services to purchase tickets.
|
|
Director of Volunteers
-- Vacation Bible School --
We are in search of a "Director of Volunteers" for a summer bible school program - often called Vacation Bible School. This short-term position comes with the benefit of working with a lot of fun adult members of our congregation and lots of happy children running around our campus! Dates for our summer program have not been set, as we have not filled this "Director" position. So the people (or persons) who accept this challenge get to choose the date that they like best! Please contact Laurel Cox in person, by phone or E-mail to apply for the Vacation Bible School "Director of Volunteers".
|
|
Paper Tigers
The Paper Tigers will begin the next book: Religious Literacy by Stephen Prothero. this Wednesday, April 25th at 8 AM.
For more information contact Jim Woods.
|
|
Tiger Lilies
We are working our way through "American Gospel", one chapter at a time. Please join us Monday, May 7th in the Parlor at 7:30 PM for our discussion on this text.
Note: Tiger Lilies does not meet in the summer (and we never meet on a Monday holiday). Our last meeting will probably be June 4 and we'll start up again September 17.
|
|
Noteworthy
Those who attended the Forum on March 25th heard Elder John Travis of Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church report on his church's two mission trips to the Gulf Coast to assist hurricane Katrina victims. He also mentioned an upcoming third trip, which took place last week. You can now read all about the week's experiences at www.gpchurch.org.
Thanks, Chuck Tanner.
|
|
Events Calendar
This Week at CCPC & Upcoming Events:
Worship Services (8:30 and 11AM, Sundays) Adult Education and Sunday School (9:45AM, Sundays) Jr. High Youth Group (6PM, Sundays) Sr. High Youth Group (7PM, Sundays) April 24th - Health & Healing April 24th - Outreach & Evangelism April 24th - Mission Committee April 25th - Paper Tigers April 25th - Abrakadoodle (2-yr class rm) April 25th - Library Committee Mtg April 24th - Stephen Ministry April 25th - Quilters April 26th - Lady Tigers April 26th - Brown Bag Bible Study (CR) April 27th - Arbor Day! April 28th - 30 Hour Famine Begins April 28th - WOC Trash & Treasure Sale April 28th - Memorial Service for Barbara McCamish at 3PM April 29th - Forum-Bowie Recycling April 29th - CCPC Signs of Spring April 29th - Last day for Scrip Orders! May 1st - Gadabouts May 1st - Deacons Meeting May 2nd - New Hope Circle May 2nd - Covenant Circle May 3rd - Charity Circle May 4,5 & 6 - Love Song Musical May 6th - CCPC Congregational Mtg May 6th - WOC Spring Luncheon May 10th - Bus Trip to Sight & Sound Theatre ("In The Beginning") May 18th - Bowie Bike to Work Day May 20th - Music Sunday! May 21st - Munchin Lunchin (12PM) May 24th - Bowie Senior Chorale May 26th - City of Bowie Memorial Day Parade (11AM) May 31st - Bowie Senior Chorale Theater Troupe Rehearsals (7-9PM, Mondays through May 4) Yoga - Tuesdays and Thursdays
|
|
Library News
The church library is open on Sunday mornings and during the week. You may use the self check-out system to take books home. Come and look over our collection.
The next Library Committee Meeting is this
Wednesday, April 25 at 10 AM
|
|
Work Camp 2007
Dates - Sunday, June 17th and returning Saturday, June 23rd. Sign up sheets are available in the atrium.
If you are planning to bring young children, please contact Shawn Jegede (410-721-3487) and Danielle Lynch (301-860-1261), so they will know how many to expect. If you have not signed up for work camp, please add your name to the sign up sheet. We will begin forming committees to begin planning meals and evening activities. If there will be a large number of children attending, we will have to ask for more assistance or have volunteers help on a rotating basis.
To date: 22 have signed up to participate.
Program Information: We have a very exciting program planned with several changes this year. First, we will be going to a new location. We will be going to the Pittsburgh, PA area where we will will be working with Hosanna Industries. While there, we plan to take in some cultural activities. Second, the costs will be lower this year. We only have to pay for our food for the week, which we estimate will be about $50 per person. If the actual costs run higher, Mission Committee will help out. Third, if you cannot get away for an entire week, you are welcome to come for just a few days. Just let us know which days you plan to be there so we will ensure we have enough food available. If you are arriving late, we will keep the light on for you.
Thank you. Paul Sell.
|
|
Flowers
Please, when you give flowers in memory or in honor of someone for Worship Services on Sunday morning, return to the church office any flower vases and baskets that you have taken home or given to someone else.
The cost of flowers is $20 and the Flower Committee use the vases and baskets over again. Half of the beautiful supply we had last year is missing. Thank you.
|
|
WOC Spring Lunch
Sunday, May 6, 2007 -- 12:30PM.
Caterer: Carl Neumann. -- $8.00 at the door.
|
|
Pantry Needs
The Pantry is in need of: canned fruit, juice, cereal, vegetables (other than corn, green beans, peas) jelly, peanut butter and jello. Thank you!
|
|
Charity Circle
Will meet on Thursday, May 3rd at Gloria Godfrey's at 10:00 AM. Please meet at the church at 9:30AM to carpool to Odenton. If you have any questions, please call Joy Bible.
|
|
Bowie Senior Chorale
Under the direction of Craig Leland Sparks, is presenting music "As Debonair as Fred Astaire," a mix of old favorites.
When: Matinee Performance - Thursday, May 24th at 1PM.
Evening Performance - Thursday, May 31st at 7PM.
Where: The Bowie Senior Center
14900 Health Center Drive, Bowie, MD
No admission charge
For Additional Information, Call 301-262-1092
|
|
Bus Trip!
To see "Jersey Boys"
The $50 balance for our trip on June 13, 2007 to NYC is due to Marge Clark by May 1, 2007.
Checks should be made out to Marge and either placed in the Treasurer's box in the church office or mailed to her home.
|
|
Lost and Found
Looking for a lost item? If you have recently misplaced an item, please call (301-262-6008), stop by the church office or email us at ccpcbowie@verizon.net.
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
In the ongoing effort to update our Caller distribution list, please let the office know by which method you would like to receive your copy of the Caller -- postal mail, or electronic? Please indicate your preference via email to ccpcbowie@verizon.net, or send a note to the church office. Thank you!