to CCPC

	Message from The Session
	To all of Our Members, Visitors, and Friends: We hope this web site will both encourage you and help you to learn more about the engaging and stimulating worship and fellowship opportunities that are at Christian Community Presbyterian Church (CCPC). Since our charter in 1962, Christian Community Presbyterian Church has been part of the fabric of life in Bowie. CCPC is a warm and welcoming congregation with a membership composed of individuals from diverse educational, professional, and theological backgrounds. We come together with our many visitors and friends seeking spiritual growth and friendship. Recently, our pastor of 17 years, Rex McDaniel, left CCPC to become the pastor of Calvary Presbyterian Church in South Pasadena, CA. He and his wife were returning home to Southern California where their two children also reside. The Session was fortunate (blessed by our God) to be able to call Reverand Heather Howland Bobbitt as our interim pastor. Armed with a strong background in assisting churches in transition, she has set about guiding the church through this time of change. In November 2002, a self-study committee was formed to assist CCPC in the process of identifying the future direction of the church. This study was completed in January 2003 and will be instrumental in our ability to communicate to candidates interested in becoming our permanent pastor just whom we were, where we want to go, and what we have to offer. In January 2003, the Session met to nominate a slate of CCPC members for the Pastor Nominating Committee. In early February 2003, a congregation meeting was held and the Pastor Nominating Committee was elected. They began their work on the Church Information Form which was completed and approved by Session in June 2003. They will now begin the process of receiving applications from pastors interested in being called to CCPC! We invite you to join us as we take these exciting steps in our continuing faith journey. Regardless of your age, there are opportunities for you to become involved in the fellowship of CCPC. The Session Christian Community Presbyterian Church
	Sunday Worship Schedule
	Worship Services: 8:30 & 11:00 am Summer Service: 10:00 am Coffee Fellowship: 9:40 am Christian Education Hour: 10:00 am Nursery Care: 8:00 am - 12:00 noon Communion: First Sunday Each Month * Auxiliary facilities for handicapped and hearing impaired For current information on worship services and church activities and events, please call the church office at (301) 262-6008.
	Words of Welcome
	A warm welcome to all of you from your friends at Christian Community Presbyterian Church. May you find inspiration and joy in the time we spend together and we are pleased that you have chosen to worship with us. Sunday worship is the call of God to bring special honor to his name. Receive this day, also, as his gift to you to refresh you for the week ahead. If we at Christian Community Presbyterian Church can serve you, please let us know. Be sure to sign our Hospitality Register and introduce yourself to our pastor before you leave. Please join us for coffee and refreshments between the first and second service, served in Dodds Hall. We would like you to join us in a church that is dedicated to God - for worship, religious education, physical recreation, social fellowship and Christian service.
	Membership in CCPC
	We rejoice whenever individuals conclude they have been led to formally and publicly join Christian Community Presbyterian Church. We are content for this decision to take shape over a matter of months, even many months, while folks become acquainted with and involved in our life and work. Twice a year we offer a course as part of the Adult Education curriculum entitled "Foundations of Church Membership." In this class, participants learn about the history, form and functioning of the Presbyterian denomination as well as CCPC. Membership requirements are the very simple ones set forth in the Presbyterian Church: Profession of Faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and a commitment to support the work of the congregation. At this point, we want you to know only a few responsibilities are reserved to members and that you are welcome to explore our opportunities for involvement, engage your energies in our work and extract whatever wealth you can from our midst.
	Church Staff
	Interim Pastor: Rev. Heather Bobbitt Pastoral Assistant: Dee McCarty Administrative Secretary: Marilyn Morgan Director of Music: Jon Youngdahl Accompanist: Scott Alexander Christian Education Dir: Kristin Handley Custodians: Dorthy Elizabeth Mackall Telephones: Church Office: (301) 262-6008   Fax: (301) 262-5177
	Session Members
	Rev. Heather Bobbitt - Moderator Class of 2004 Norma Freeborne David Kobe Anita Pesses Albert van Overeem Jim Woods Class of 2005 Carrie Ahearn Dave Honeyford Don Salsbury Paul Sell Ron Stokes Class of 2006 Diane Dudley Barbara Marshall Sheree Ruhl Marjorie Tanner Peter Tutini
	Board of Deacons
	Dee McCarty - Pastoral Assistant Class of 2004  Cluster #   Deacon   Assignment   1.   Margaret Wolfe   Rockledge & Kimberwick   3.   Stella Merkle   Meadowbrook   5.   Bud Hillman   Overbrook, Yorktown & Derbyshire   7.   Shirley Cooke   Crofton   14.   Eloise Horrom   Long Ridge & Tulip Grove   16.   Elizabeth McGeehan   Idlewild & Meadowbrook   19.   Nancy Phillips   London Lane, Health Center, Pointer Ridge & Pin Oak  Class of 2005  Cluster #   Deacon   Assignment   4.   Jan Bridger   Belair Green & Beyond   8.   Harold Bible   Tulip Grove   10.   Priscilla Bouic   Somerset, Davidsonville   15.   Sharon McNamara   Somerset   17.   Gordon Moiles   Kenilworth & Buckingham   18.   Harold Neumann   Whitehall & Misc.   20.   Hamer Campbell   Davidsonville, Gradys Walk & Bowie  Class of 2006  Cluster #   Deacon   Assignment   2.   Jean Bauer   Chapel Forge   6.   Nancy Honeyford   Crofton   9.   Kim Tavel   Buckingham   11.   Mary Trimble   Kenilworth   12.   John Marshall   South Bowie   13.   Melodie Dziduch   Severn Crossing & Others   21.   Pat Benson   West View & Old Stage
	Youth Program
	CCPC offers a variety of activities for our young people to make them an integral part of our membership. Education: During the education hour between Sunday worship services, junior high and senior high students are taught in separate classes by active church members. In the spring semester, eighth graders explore the meaning and responsibilities of church membership through a Communicant's Class, culminating in a retreat early in May. Workcamp: Each June, for the last six years, our senior high students have traveled to South Carolina, Pennyslvania, New Jersey, Iowa, or Michigan to work for a week to renovate housing, usually in affiliation with Habitat for Humanity. Youth Groups: A short, weekly activity of fun and fellowship for our junior and senior high students. Youth Events: Monthly events ranging from progressive dinners to ski trips to visits to Kings Dominion. Youth Community Service: CCPC youth are engaged in supporting the life of the church and in service to the local community.
	Fellowship Opportunities
	Christian fellowship is an important part of church life. In addition to the variety of church organizations listed below, we enjoy numerous special events including Lenten Dinners, Parish Life Fellowship/theatre/drama/dinners and picnics. We have retreats and Sunday school for all ages as well as Adult Education classes. We invite you to learn more and become active in the life of CCPC. Circles: There are seven, each with a unique constituency and tradition for all ages and on different days, evenings and times. Men's and Women's Support Groups: There are get togethers for men and for women to teach and encourage one another, swap stories and share insights on the problems of the world. Munchin' Luncheon: A monthly gathering for men and women at the noon hour to have fellowship, a program and a catered lunch. Athletic Teams: Women's softball and volleyball. Men's softball, and volleyball and basketball are offered. If you desire to learn more about our fellowship at CCPC, please check the Hospitality Register located in each pew rack. May the Lord richly bless your visit!
	Mission
	Christian Community Presbyterian Church is a mission oriented church. We believe spiritual growth is manifested through the practical application of the teaching of Christ. Among the many mission projects that we support are... Emergency Housing: CCPC is one of several churches in Prince George's County to provide emergency housing. In the past four years alone, we have provided warm and friendly hospitality and shelter to over 50 families. Warm Nights: Every February, CCPC joins 22 churches in sheltering up to 30 homeless men, women and children who could not find room in one of the county's three shelters. Adult Care Center: CCPC donated the facilities for and was a driving force behing the creation of the Adult Care Center. Christmas Families: CCPC gives a message of hope, peace and goodwill to approximately 30 needy families and 120 children through gifts of clothing, toys, food, and love. This involves as much as 5,000 lbs (2 tons) of food and 500 gifts. CCPC is involved in many local, national and international mission projects, such as Habitat for Humanity, One Great Hour of Sharing, Community Cafe, which provides lunch for the homeless, the CROP walk for hunger, and the Community Food Pantry.
	Music in Worship
	Through the ages music has been an essential part of worship. We, at Christian Community Presbyterian Church, believe that the entire repertoire of church music, traditional and contemporary, should be part of our worship experience, not only because it expresses our being part of the church of all ages, but also because it allows us, as people with diverse musical preferences to celebrate worship together. The choirs at CCPC are aware of their ministry to others through song! Music offers a tremendous opportunity for personal growth and many spiritual benefits and truths can be strengthened through the use of music. The choirs at CCPC are dedicated to offering many musical styles and welcome all who wish to join them in this effort. Chancel Choir Cornerstone Choir Bell Choir Chapel Choir Cherub Choir Traditional Music Contemporary Music Handbells Youth to 8th Grade Young Children
	Pre-School Educational Outreach
	Belair Co-Op Nursery: Located in the CCPC Education Building, this pre-school atmosphere requires parental involvement while working with a permanent nursery school teacher. CCPC Nursery School - Kindergarten: This pre-school was founded in 1970 by CCPC as a service to Bowie and the surrounding area. Located in the CCPC Education Building, it is affiliated with the Bowie Therapeutic Nursery Center and is approved by the Maryland State Department of Education. The nursery consists of 11 classes of children, ages 3-5 years, who attend half-day programs from September to May. Bowie Therapeutic Nursery Center: A private, non-profit, nonsectarian pre-school that is funded by the Maryland State Departmemt of Health and Mental Hygiene, the United Way of the National Capital Area, CCPC and the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission. Located in the CCPC Education Building, it consists of a special education center for children, ages 2 1/2 - 4 years, who have emotional and/or behavorial problems. In CCPC, we are fortunate to have a membership that is very active in supporting the cornerstone of the future -- our children!
	Educational Opportunities
	Christian Education Hour On Sunday Children's Sermon is delivered by members of the congregation to young children at each worship service. Sunday School 3 year olds to 6th grade 7th and 8th grades 9th to 12th grade Adult Education Classes is a variety of classes offered every Spring, Fall and Winter. Foundations for Church Membership is a class offered twice a year as part of the Adult Education curriculum. Participants learn about the history, form and functioning of the Presbyterian denomination, as well as CCPC. Community Forums/Speakers a variety of subjects and speakers are offered year round Vacation Bible School A summer program in which all children are welcome to join some 21 teachers, 29 teens, 14 volunteer moms and 5 kitchen helpers for fellowship, fun and learning.
	Children's Ministry
	The primary focus of the Children's Ministry program at CCPC is to provide a Christian education for children, age 3 through 6th grade. There are five Sunday School classes which meet during the education hour for the months of September through June. The curriculum emphasizes stories of the Bible, the messages they hold, and the ways in which the children, as Christians, can apply these teachings. Each summer, CCPC conducts a Vacation Bible School that consists of a fun-filled week of activities and crafts. Many other events are sponsored for the children so that they may enjoy fellowship, as well as become nvolved in mission projects, such as helping the needy at Thanksgiving and Christmas and assembling care packages to distribute to the homeless during the CCPC Warm Nights Program. All Sunday School students are encouraged to participate in the annual Christmas pageant. Another dramatic performance by the children provides entertainment for one of the Lenten dinners. Those who as musically inclined are encouraged to become members of the Cherub Choir or the Chapel Choir. In CCPC, we have a membership that is engaged in supporting all of our children so that they become an integral part in our lives and that of our church.
	Visitors Sunday
	Every year in November, we have a very special music Sunday for our members and visitors with the participation of all of our Adult and Youth Choirs. This special Sunday will be enjoyed by many visitors and friends of which we invite you to be included. We are called to reach out in word and deed to those beyond our walls, and we dedicate ourselves to being hospitable and inviting within our walls. "Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we accept our identity as witnesses to the nation, and around the world," (acts 1:8) Please call the church office at (301) 262-6008 for the exact date in November for Visitors Sunday.
	Our Sanctuary
	Round Windows and Candelabrum: The Celtic Cross is an image of the round world with the Cosmic Cross of Christ in the center. Symbolically, it places Christ sacrificed at the center of the world on the Cosmic Tree which stretches from heaven to earth and stands at the midpoint of the horizontal radial cross of the four directions. This cross corresponds to the Tree of Life which in Genesis, stands at the center of the Garden of Eden at the beginning of time. The Book of Revelations also places it at the center of the Heavenly City of Jerusalem at the end of time. Sanctuary Mural: The triangle, having three sides, is a Trinity symbol. Blue is the color of the spirit, the symbol of contemplation, prayer, and heaven. The blue modulates from dark to light, to signify the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit in the lives of mankind, as well as to remind us of Christ's words in John 8:12 - "I am the light of the world; he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." The horizontal lines of the Trinity Cross are an old symbol of Earth and man reaching to God. Directly behind the center, where these lines meet, is the golden circle of eternity. Because the line of the circle is never-ending, the circle is also a symbol of God.
	Our Sanctuary Banners
	Eight Banners The lower edge of each banner echoes either the shape of the sanctuary gable or round windows of the nave. Each consists of three concentric circles symbolizing the Trinity. In the center of each circle is one of hte symbols for an attribute of God. These symbols have been worked by members of the Christian Community Presbyterian Church in combination of needlepoint, hand and machine applique, and embroidery. God is a Spirit "God is a spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth" John 4:24. Three overlapping circles symbolize Trinity in one God - triangle. God is Forgiving "Bless the Lord, my soul, and forget none of his benefits. He pardons all my guilt and heals all my suffering" Psalms 103: 1-3. Thieves' cross with living vine of life. Y is also a symbol of Yahweh - God. God is Omnipresent "Do I not fill heaven and earth? said the Lord" Jeremiah 23:24. Heaven and earth symbols with Star of David stars in the sky. God is Omniscient "Lord, thou knowest all things" John 21:17. Equilateral triangle containing the Eye of God: all-seeing. God is Omnipotent But Jesus...said unto them: With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible" Matthew 19:26. Hand of God, holding the world: all-powerful. God is Holy "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of Crown of glory" Isaiah 6:3. Crown of glory. God is Unchanging "Thou art the same Thy years shall have no end" Psalms 102:27. Alpha and omega, the Greek letters signifying beginning and end - in an equilateral triangle, the Trinity symbol. God is Loving "He that loveth not, knoweth not God; for God is love" 1 John 4:8. Sacred Heart, symbol of love, out of which spring flowers of eternal life and hope. The cross of Christ.
	The Seal of Presbyterian Church (USA)
	The seal of the Presbyterian Church (USA) was adopted by the 197th General Assembly in 1985. It is a symbolic statement of the church's heritage, identity and mission in today's world. The basic symbolic motifs in the seal are the cross, Scriptures, dove and flames. Because of its association with Presbyterian history, the Celtic cross was chosen as a model for a more contemporary rendering of this ancient symbol. The top two lines of the cross represent an open book, emphasizing the central role of Scriptures in the Reformed tradition. The descending dove is the traditional symbol of the Holy Spirit. It also symbolizes Christ's baptism by John as well as the peace and wholeness which Christ's death and resurrection bring to a broken world. Beneath the image of the book is the suggesion of a lectern or puplit, which captures the important role of preaching in the history of Presbyterian worship. Integrated into the lower part of the design are the flames which form an implied triangle, a traditional symbol of the Trinity. The flames themselves convey a double meaning. They may be interpreted as a symbol of revelation in the Old Testament when God spoke to Moses from the burning bush. The flames also suggest the beginning of the Christian Church when Christ manifested himself to his apostles at pentecost and charged them to be messengers of the good news of God's love. The triangle also suggests the nature of Presbyterian government with its concern for balance and order. It divides power between Ministers of the Word and Sacrament and lay people as well as between the governing bodies in the life of the church.

Maintained Online by the CCPC Internet CommitteeLast Revised: 19 Jan 2003