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The Pastor's Corner 
Every now and then God stirs up our world, creating (or permitting) the kind of sweeping change that alters the fabric of history. The Protestant Reformation, which we commemorate in worship this Sunday, was one of those times. By every indication we are now in the middle of another dramatic period of sweeping change. If you travel to Shanghai in China or the urban business centers in India, places that not many years ago looked like the Third World, you will see that the whole world is caught in the grasp of massive, unavoidable change.
Although change is frightening, it is not necessarily a bad thing. Thomas Aquinas was reported to have said, "If the primary aim of a captain were to preserve his ship, he would have kept it in port forever." The same goes for the church, if our goal is to preserve it, we will defensively protect it. If our goal is to reach out, to go somewhere, we have to get the ship out of its comfortable port.
Alan Duetschman in his article, "Change or Die" (Fast Company Magazine) presented some interesting findings on the dynamic of change. He emphasized that while information and education are important for helping organizations change, they are not enough to produce change. Nor is a sense of crisis sufficient to bring about change. What seems to work best in leading people through change is a three fold approach that includes:
1. A strong spiritual component---a desire to be transformed.
2. An emphasis on "reframing" or describing the current situation in different terms and helping people to move from the old way of framing their current situation to a new one.
3. Continuing support for the organization and its leadership.
I mention this because the Session is starting to work on a long range planning process. During this time of discernment and decision making we need two things from the congregation: your prayers and your ongoing support of the ministry through your time and money. The Reformation was not a one time event but a process that took several centuries. Our timetable is shorter, but the process is also complex. Hang in there with us.
Joyfully serving with you,
James Brassard.
Worship Notes:
Some 2400 years ago the Spirit of God summoned the prophet Ezekiel in a vision to visit a huge cemetery, a valley of scattered bones. God asked the prophet a rhetorical question, "Can these bones live?" Sunday we will look at the famous "Valley of Dry Bones" passage in Ezekiel 37 and ask the contemporary question of all people of faith who are confronting a dramatically changing and scary world, "Are we afraid to hope that much?"
Sunday, October 28th:
- Reformation Sunday; 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
- 8:30AM and 11AM worship services
- Children's Library Sunday
- *Adult Education Hour and Sunday School at 9:45AM
- New Members' Seminar 9:45AM (Pastor's Study)
- Trunk or Treat: 3-5PM in Dodds Hall
Sunday, November 4th:
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS-NOV 4TH
Don't forget to set your clocks back one hour at 2AM
- 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time
- COMMUNION
- 8:30AM and 11AM worship services
- *Adult Education Hour and Sunday School at 9:45AM
- New Members' Seminar 9:45AM (Pastor's Study) Last class
- Youth Groups: 5PM-Jr. High and 6:30PM-Sr. High
- Prayer Study 7PM (Parlor)
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Presbytery USA-A Call for Prayer
Pray with Iraqi Christians Daily at Noon ET
The Presbyterian Peacemaking Program recently published information on Presbyterian congregations in Iraq. (See: Peace Notes, Issue No. 94, Fall 2007) Members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) are encouraged to pause for prayer, individually or in groups, every day at noon (Eastern Time). "Pray for our Iraqi brothers and sisters in Christ, all the people of Iraq, Iraqis who are refugees or living in Diaspora, men and women serving in the U.S. military and the militaries of other nations, the people of the United States impacted by war, and those in positions of authority.
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Trunk or Treat
You're invited!
TRUNK OR TREAT
Sunday, October 28, 2007 from 3:00-5:00 PM in Dodds Hall.
Games, crafts, hot dogs, the "Haunted Hallway," a costume parade and the Grand Finale - Trunk or Treating through our parking lot! (Costume Parade at approximately 5PM)
Parents-please plan to stay and join your children for the fun. Children under age 5 will need parental guidance for some of the crafts. Young Children may also want your guidance through the "Haunted Hallway."
Volunteers are needed to fill our parking lot with "trunks" full of treats. Be creative, decorate your trunk, and pass out unusual "child friendly" treats. RSVP to CCPC at ccpcbowie@verizon.net, phone: 301-262-6008, or call Laurel Cox.
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Youth News
For information regarding Youth activities and participation, please contact either James Rada or Astrid Jonas.
Upcoming CCPC Youth Events and Activities:
The week ahead will be busy and exciting. Yes, it's time for our Haunted Halls! There's already a lot of excitement and enthusiasm in the air! And it's not just in the air -did anyone see our announcement in last week's Bowie Blade?
This Friday we will gather to finish building and set up. I'll be up at the church at 4PM, and have some dinner ready by 5PM. I realize that with school, work, and other commitments, some folks may not be able to make it by 4 - that's fine. Get there when you can. We'll plan to wrap things up at 9PM.
Then, Sunday's the big day. Festivities begin at 3PM and run till 5-5:30PM. After that, we'll have to clean up and get the church back to looking like a church. We should be able to finish up by 7PM.
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Paper Tigers Book Review
The Tigers will begin reading/discussion of Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose on October 31st. This book is a widely acclaimed account of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
The Creation: An Appeal to Save Life on Earth, Edward O. Wilson, W. W. Norton & Company, 2006, pp. 175.
Pulitzer Prize-winning biologist E. O. Wilson grew up in Alabama, was raised in the Southern Baptist tradition, and now calls himself a "secular humanist." Professor Wilson addresses his twenty-second book to a hypothetical Southern Baptist pastor, who, along with many of his hypothetical flock, believes in a literal interpretation of the Genesis creation story. The author's reasoning is that "science and religion are the two most powerful forces of society," and even if they cannot agree on how our creation got here, these two disciplines can work together to save it from destruction at the hands of the only creatures that now have the capacity to destroy it-humans. Humans, says Wilson, have already made a disturbingly strong start.
Wilson's approach is not to scold his fellow humans for their indifference to problems such as pollution, global warming, and rapidly declining biodiversity, but to show us the intricate beauty and majesty of creatures as diverse as ants and wolverines in order that we-the biologically uninformed-can share the respect and love for them that he obviously has in abundance. The author's admiration and enthusiasm for the diverse life forms that he has encountered in his years of biological scholarship is palpable. The sheer number of insects, for example, is astounding: about a million trillion are alive at any moment. Ants alone, all 10 thousand trillion of them, weigh roughly as much as all 6.5 billion human beings. While these estimates are shaky, insects rank near the top among animals in physical bulk. They are rivaled in biomass by copepods (minute sea crustaceans), and at the very apex, nematode worms which make up about four-fifths of all animals on Earth. While each of these creatures is a small universe in itself, each has its own place in the ecological network that makes life on earth possible. To damage or destroy any part of this complex structure, which has evolved over millions of years, is to endanger the whole.
Man's role in upsetting the balance of the ecosystem is not caused simply by ignorance or indifference, it is often inadvertent. The introduction of an Asian fungus wiped out the American chestnut in the early 1900s. Zebra mussels from the Black or Caspian Sea spread following their introduction into the Great Lakes and now clog the intake valves of electrical utilities and alter freshwater ecosystems. But a more chilling example to conscientious conservationists is the probable inadvertent introduction of the brown tree snake from the southwestern pacific into Guam. Within a few decades after World War II, it had eradicated all ten of the native forest bird species of the island, including three found nowhere else.
Professor Wilson's small book is full of warnings like the above. To the environmentally alert he is preaching to the choir, but we all have need of these admonitions. The world we live in is the only one we have. The awful irony is that the creature to whom, according to scripture, God has given dominion over His works (Psalm 8) is the creature who can now make the "house" he was given unfit for his own habitation.
Jack Jones, for the Paper Tigers
October 17, 2007
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Christmas Gift Market
This year, give heartfelt gifts to your family and friends. Attend the CCPC Christmas Gift Market any time from 9:30AM-2PM on SUNDAY,NOV 11TH. Your purchased items will transform poverty into prosperity, hunger into plenty, and sickness into health.
Here's how it works:
1) Review the Christmas Gift Market order form on the CCPC website, or pick up a copy from the kiosk in the Narthex.
2) Select gifts from trusted organizations like Heifer International and the Medical Benevolence Foundation in honor of a friend or loved one. Choose an animal, support a midwife's training, or fund a supply kit for a school child-your choice will help a family somewhere in the world become healthy and self- reliant.
3) Attend the Gift Market on Sunday, November 11; gift orders and payment will be accepted from 9:30AM - 2PM. Stay for soup, chili and bread; proceeds go to the Bowie Interfaith Pantry and Prince George's Hospice.
Be sure to let your friends and neighbors know about our CCPC Christmas Gift Market--the event is open to everyone in the community! You will receive a beautiful handmade gift card to present to your recipient at Christmas, letting them know you have made a wonderful gift in their name. In these days of commercialized holidays and people already blessed with too many "things," it is the simple gifts that make a difference and are most appreciated.
For more information about the CCPC Christmas Gift Market, please contact Peggy Oates.
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Other News, Events and Happenings
Worship Council Meeting and Strategic Session Thursday, October 25, 2007 at 8PM in the conference room.
Volunteer Opportunity
Paul Bolig is looking for volunteers for his "Panera Tuesday" ministry. On the fourth Tuesday of very month, Panera Bread gives us bread and bakery products. At 7:30AM the products are brought to the CCPC kitchen so they can be divided up and packaged. This task takes about 45 minutes to one hour. The packages are delivered to ARC group homes for disabled adults within the City of Bowie. The deliveries take about 90 minutes. If you are interested in helping to cut up and package the products and/or be the delivery person, please contact Paul Bolig.
Building and Grounds Committee
Will meet Thursday November 1st at 7PM in the Conference Room. We will discuss the work to be done on November 17th (Church Beautification Day) and review the budget for 2008.
Thank you, Skip Oates.
Health and Healing
Will meet at a new time (9:30AM-12PM) every Tuesday, through May, except for Christmas week or when schools are delayed or closed due to inclement weather. For more information, call Doris Kobe.
Help the Homeless Walkathon:
November 17, 2007
Please help the CCPC walkers in the Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Walkathon by signing up to join the team or by supporting the team with a financial donation. CCPC will be walking for Community Ministry of Prince Georges County this year.
To join or support the team go to the website and follow these simple steps: Visit - Help the Homeless DC.org
- Click on Washington, DC (left column)
- Click on 2007 Beneficiary Organization Directory (left column)
- Click on Register
- Select the CCPC Team
- Click on Join Our Team to become a walker
If you want to make a donation, you can support an individual walker or you can make a General Team Donation. If you have any questions, please contact Paul Sell.
Job Opening-United Parish of Bowie
The United Parish of Bowie, located at the corner of Mitchellville and Mt. Oak Roads, is seeking a church secretary to work 4 to 8 hours per week. Please call the Rev. Michael Parker for more information: 301-249- 6411.
Bowie City Hall - Featured Artist of the Month. The art and photography of CCPC's DICK ARNOLD will be featured at City Hall through October 27. Visit the City of Bowie Homepage at http://www.cityofbowie.org for more information.
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Kids Night at CCPC
Come see the kids who have been working so hard to out-do the adults! November 17th at 7:00PM in Dodds Hall. We are very excited to use the new stage to showcase our best and brightest rising stars! Show your support to our youth! Donations accepted to benefit theater and Christmas Families. For more info, contact Linda Miller, Susan or Melodie.
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YOGA Class at CCPC
Linda is now offering a Gentle Yoga Class for seniors, beginners, people recovering from illness and those who can't make the 7PM classes. The class will be offered by appointment on Tuesdays or Thursdays at 5:30PM. We will use props, cushions and chairs for ultimate relaxation in the yoga poses. For more information or to schedule an appointment contact Linda at linna@yolinna.com or visit yolinna.com
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Fall Beautification Day
(Clean up Day) November 17th from 8:30AM until lunch. Pizza and beverages will be provided.
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This Week at CCPC
Happy Birthday to all those celebrating birthday's during the month of October.
Worship Services Sunday (8:30 and 11AM)
*** ***
· 4th Monday - Outreach and Evangelism
· 1st/3rd Monday - Tiger Lilies
· 1st Tuesday - Deacons Meeting
· 4th Tuesday - Mission Committee
· 2nd/4th Tuesdays - Stephen Ministry
· Tues/Thurs - Yoga
· Every Wednesday - Paper Tigers
· Every 3rd Wed - Sewing Guild (Elsie Bell)
· 2nd/4th Thursdays - Lady Tigers (Parlor) **************************************
Monday, October 22
--Grace and Glory Circle 7PM (offsite)
--Sea Scout Ship 1009, BSA Recruiting Night 6-9PM (DH)
--Reiki Energy Healing 7PM (Sanctuary)
--Tiger Lilies 7:30PM (Parlor)
Tuesday, October 23
--Health and Healing-New Time: 9:30AM-12PM (Parlor)
--Evening Adult Ed - 7PM
------Financial Peace (FPU)
------Alpha Series
--Gentle Yoga 5:30PM (Sanctuary)for seniors and beginners
--Yoga 7PM (Sanctuary)
--Stephen Ministry 7PM (offsite)
--Mission Committee Mtg. 7PM (Parlor)
--Chesapeake Chorale: 7PM Rehearsal (DH)
Wednesday, October 24
--Paper Tigers 8AM (Room-TBD)
--Quilters 6:30-9:30PM (Dodds Hall)
--Choirs & Worship Team Rehearsals
(Starts at 6:30PM)
Thursday, October 25
-- Lady Tigers (10AM) Parlor
--Gentle Yoga 5:30PM (by appointment)for seniors and beginners
--Yoga 7PM (Sanctuary)
--Clinquant Rehearsal-Hand bell choir 7PM
--Worship Committee Mtg. (8PM) Conference Room
Friday, October 26 TBD
Saturday, October 27
--Memorial Service for Calvin Swanson (Roxanne Johnson's father) 11AM. Reception immediately following in Dodds Hall
--First SoulCollage Worship and Retreat 10AM-4PM at CCPC. (Location Room: TBD) Please contact Linda Miller or Sheree Ruhl or visit the website www.yolinna.com .
--Dorsey Wedding 6:30PM (Katie Dorsey, daughter of Paul and Sandy
Sunday, October 28
29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
--Worship (8:30 and 11AM)
--(9:45AM) Adult Ed and Sunday School
The Uncensored Bible (Conference Room) What Paul Meant (Dodds Hall) --New Members' Seminar 9:45AM (Pastor's Study)
--Youth Groups-Trunk or Treat 3-5PM (Dodds Hall)
Monday, October 29
--Sea Scout Ship 1009, BSA 7PM (CE Bldg, Rm 6)
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Library News
Next Library Committee Meeting: TBD
The following books are on the new books shelf and are available to be checked out for use in the Circle study this year: Salvation Through Judgment and Mercy, The Gospel According to Jonah by Bryan Estelle and The Story of Ruth, Twelve Moments in Every Woman's Life by Joan Chittester.
Our church library will be open before and following each worship service this year and during the education hour. Use the self-check out system posted on the desk to take out books. You can find biography, fiction, and non fiction books that focus on understanding faith and growing in spiritual life. Parents and children may visit the library to select books. Books may be returned to the basket outside the library. Please continue to look for books that are ready to be returned. Thank you!
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Spirit Events
Reiki Energy Healing will be held on the 3rd Monday of each month from 7-9PM in the CCPC Sanctuary.
Next Reiki Energy Class: Monday, November 19th., 2007. Join Jan, Linda and Sheree to share the gift of healing. Reiki is gentle, non invasive, hands-on healing. Reiki practitioners welcome! Reservations suggested. Contact Jan, Linda or Sheree for details.
NEW YOGA CLASS this fall at CCPC
Linda is now offering a Gentle Yoga Class for seniors, beginners, people recovering from illness and those who can't make the 7PM class. The class will be held every Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30PM. She will still offer the Tuesday and Thursday 7PM Yoga class for all levels. Feel free to drop in. At the 5:30PM class we will use props, cushions and chairs for ultimate relaxation in the yoga poses. There is also a new Sun Salutation Class Saturday mornings off campus. For more information contact Linda at n.litoes@verizon.net
NOTE: Yolinna Yoga and Reiki Healing has a NEW domain.
www.yolinna.com and the Spirit Group's address has changed to http://mysite.verizon.net/vze3hvnp/spiritgroup.
First SoulCollage® Worship & Retreat
October 27th from 10AM-4PM at CCPC (Location Room: TBD) Please contact Linda or Sheree. Dodds Hall. SoulCollage® is a process through which you contact your intuition and create an incredible deck of cards which have deep personal meaning and which will help you with life's questions. Join a pair of trained SoulCollage® Facilitator's as they lead you through this fascinating, creative journey. All materials and lunch provided! For more info, contact Linda Miller or Sheree Ruhl or visit the website www.yolinna.com.
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Notes from the Office
The Caller Schedule & Article Deadlines
October 29, 2007
(articles are due no later than [1p.m.] Thurs, Oct 25)
November 5, 2007
(articles are due no later than [1p.m.] Thurs, Nov 1)
November 12, 2007
(articles are due no later than [1p.m.] Thurs, Nov 8)
November 19, 2007-NO CALLER, Thanksgiving week.
November 26, 2007-NO CALLER
December 3, 2007
(articles are due no later than [1p.m.] Thurs, Nov 29) Please contact the office to schedule events.
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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.
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